Turkey’s landscaping and legalization of its pursuits for an active role in European defense, but also to highlight its role in “Stability in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean”, is the common announcement issued after the 4th Turkish Intergovernmental Conference in Turkey – Italian Conference. Tayyip Erdogan and her Georgia.
It is obvious from the text, but also by T. Erdogan’s statements to journalists during a return flight to Ankara, that Turkey has invested in defense cooperation with Italy (through Baykar-Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace’s acquisition) in order to be a “siege”. Package of 150 + 650 billion euros for Europe’s re -equipment.
In the long text, which of course dominates the two countries’ will to strengthen economic and defense cooperation, there are completely lacking references to issues related to human rights and the rule of law basic obligations of all those seeking to approach the EU. and Turkey’s positions are fully adopted in terms of marine zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Italian side unconditionally expresses its support for Turkey’s European course, without any reference to the obligation to respect the fundamental European authorities, nor to the need to resolve the Cyprus problem.
Specifically it is mentioned:
“The parties have agreed to coordinate their efforts to achieve specific results in key areas, such as accelerating Turkey-EU dialogue to liberate visa, renewing cooperation in the field of immigration and enhancing anti-terrorism cooperation.
The parties also emphasized the urgent need to update the EU-Turkey Customs Union, which will bring potential benefits to both sides. “
Of course, there is no mention of Turkey’s basic obligation on the Customs Union and the implementation of the protocol to the Republic of Cyprus.
Rome also expresses full support for the strengthening of the NATO-EU strategic partnership, which is also facing problems due to the fact that Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, and underlines it “Importance of the possible complete participation of allies outside the EU in EU defense efforts to strengthen this partnership.”
The chapter highlights the successful completion of joint works by Turkish and Italian companies in recent years and the political will to promote this cooperation. In this context they decided to “Organize the 14th Defense Industry Cooperation Meeting in 2025 and take seven high -level mutual visits and technical meetings in order to increase the level of bilateral defense relationships in an exemplary manner for allies”.
The impression is given by the reference to the Eastern Mediterranean, where the two countries emphasize the “importance of resolving disputes on maritime borders under international law and through agreements with solutions based on the principle of equality”, without reference to the law of the sea, which is also a community.
In addition, Turkey’s proposal for an international conference in the Eastern Mediterranean is also adopted in the public announcement, as it is typically stated that the two parties agreed that “Organizing the Multilateral Eastern Mediterranean Conference, if the necessary conditions are met, will be an opportunity to create a mechanism of cooperation without exclusion in the region.”.
Turkey insists that Greece and other countries in the region are trying to “exclude” its cooperation forum such as the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF).
Despite the reports of the common announcement on the open issues of the Middle East and the Mediterranean (Palestinian, Syria, Libya), any reference to the Cyprus issue, but also to the avoidance of the threat of violence, would have been avoided, as it should be requested by Italy.
The impression is also a reference to the common announcement on the cooperation of Italy-Turkey in promoting peace in third countries: “They also emphasized the importance of cooperation to promote peace and stability in third countries and regions based on respect for sovereignty, independence and territoriality Development as well as regional connectivity. “
Also Italy and Turkey have agreed to cooperate in third countries for joint oil and gas projects, which will provide an important advantage to the Turkish state -owned TPAO oil company.
Without, of course, the relations of a large European country such as Italy with Turkey are blaming, the way Rome and Georgia Meloni are trying to turn Turkey’s “voice” in the EU, legalizing aspirations and aspirations of Ankara, are a great deal of aspirations and aspirations.
Nikos Meletis