The participants outlined their countries’ efforts to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Minister Czaputowicz praised cooperation with Ankara, particularly in the context of repatriating citizens and supplying personal protective equipment. “Today, more than ever, cooperation based on the sense of solidarity and mutual understanding of each other’s needs is of paramount importance. With our post-pandemic future in mind, we should also strive to advance our relations,” stressed the chief of Polish diplomacy. 

Minister Czaputowicz listed the energy, infrastructure, transport, and tourism sectors as vital areas of cooperation between Poland and Turkey, adding that the Via Carpatia transit route is an important project that will serve to reinforce the collaboration. Talking about the recent decline in the volume of Polish exports to Turkey, the top Polish diplomat reiterated the call for removing barriers to trade with European partners. He also expressed his satisfaction that obstacles to the Polish transport industry that offers transit via Turkey, introduced in connection with restrictions at borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have been removed.

The participants reviewed the cooperation between the V4 and Turkey as well as prospects for strengthening it in key areas and sectors. “The current economic difficulties that face our countries require even greater mobilisation efforts and seeking synergy in mutual cooperation,” stressed Minister Czaputowicz. Referring to Turkish proposals to enhance cooperation with the V4 countries, the top Polish diplomat pointed to the need to make a list of concrete projects and develop an agenda for actions. Minister Czaputowicz suggested holding regular consultations at the level of political directors. As the most promising areas for potential cooperation between the V4 and Turkey, the head of the Polish MFA mentioned energy, new technologies, improving interconnectivity, and development of transport infrastructure. 

During the video conference the ministers also discussed the fight against illegal migration, which is one of the main global and regional challenges, especially in times of the pandemic. Minister Czaputowicz praised Turkey’s commitment to assist nearly four million Syrian refugees who are staying in its territory. He also outlined actions that Poland undertakes, through both bilateral and multilateral channels, to assist refugees who are staying in the Middle East countries.

When discussing the state of the EU-Turkey relations, the participants agreed that it is of common interest to both parties to seek a close and constructive cooperation based on mutual trust and respect for international law, particularly in the area of security policy, economic relations, and migration. The discussion provided an opportunity to confirm Poland’s support for Turkey’s European aspirations. “Our cooperation with Turkey is particularly important in the area of transatlantic security,” added Minister Czaputowicz.

The V4+Turkey meetings are held as regular consultations in this format. Minister Jacek Czaputowicz declared Poland’s readiness to continue discussion on strengthening cooperation with Ankara during the Polish presidency of the Visegrad Group which is due to start on 1 July 2020.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Łucja Sucharska / MSZ