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ISSUE: 43 OCTOBER 2018 www.ikv.org.tr / contact: [email protected] PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN’S GERMANY VISIT: TIME FOR A RESET IN TURKISH-GERMAN TIES President Erdoğan’s official visit to Berlin was an important step to rekindle bilateral relations between and Germany.

resident Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid an official visit to Germany Pon 27-29 September 2018 upon the invitation of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The visit was an important step to repair the relationship and to re-establish mutual confidence following the tensions and problems experienced in the last two years in Turkey-Germany relations. In fact, the diplomatic traffic between the two countries has already been busy in September. At the start of the month, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas paid an official visit to Turkey and met President Erdoğan as well as his counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. Following that Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, Trade Minister , Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Sönmez visited Berlin in order to meet Finance Minister Olaf Scholz and Economy and Energy Minister Peter Altmaier. During his three-day visit to Germany, President Erdoğan was welcomed with an official ceremony by President Steinmeier, attended official state dinner and met Chancellor Angela Merkel at a working luncheon and breakfast. On the last day of his visit, he gave a speech at the official inauguration of Regarding Turkey-EU relations President Erdoğan reminded that basis of a win-win approach. Altmaier with a 30-person business the DITIB Central Mosque in Cologne. and the visa liberalisation process, during the acute period of the During the press conference, delegation is another important Erdoğan and Merkel, who President Erdoğan announced refugee crisis, Turkey and Germany German Chancellor Merkel step to strengthen ties between the came together twice in two days, that Turkey aims to fulfil the six undertook responsibility and made underlined her country’s interest in two countries. Peter Altmaier, during discussed economic and global remaining criteria in the visa serious sacrifices to ease the process. an economically stable Turkey and the joint press conference with his developments, the Syria crisis and liberalisation roadmap as soon as He expressed that Turkey and said: “We want to further improve counterpart Treasury and Finance irregular migration. During the joint possible. Moreover, he highlighted Germany share a common approach our cooperation in the fight against Minister Berat Albayrak, noted: “In the press conference with Chancellor that providing visa liberalisation, with regard to supporting a rules- terrorism.” past years, the two countries suffered Angela Merkel following their launching the negotiations for the based system in order to balance the In fact, Turkey and Germany have difficulties in their relations, but we meeting, President Erdoğan stated modernisation of the Customs increasingly protectionist trends in many reasons to work together. In are determined to develop bilateral that German Economy and Energy Union and revitalising accession trade. President Erdoğan criticised addition to more than three million ties.” It was also prominent that Minister Peter Altmaier, along with a negotiations are to the benefit of both using trade sanctions for political people of Turkish origin living in the Altmaier and Trade Minister Ruhsar large delegation of businesspeople, Turkey and the EU and underlined objectives, since it will damage global country, Germany is Turkey’s main Pekcan were scheduled to convene will pay a visit to Turkey in October, that Turkey attaches great importance trade as well as international security, economic and trade partner with a for the first time a joint commission and said: “We are in favour of to Germany’s support which is one of he added that he values deep bilateral trade volume of 37.6 billion seeking ways to improve trade, preserving and further strengthening the leading countries in Europe. economic ties with Germany and euros. Therefore the two-day visit industry, tourism and infrastructure this momentum we have achieved Regarding the Syria crisis, wants to further improve them on the of German Economy Minister Peter projects between the two countries. through mutual high-level visits.”

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IKV AGENDA TOBB AND IKV CAME TOGETHER WITH EU AMBASSADORS AT A WORKING LUNCH

n 19 October 2018, the Union that IKV wants an immediate solution Oof Chambers and Commodity to the obstacles in the face of the Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and modernisation of the Customs Union. IKV brought together ambassadors Head of the EU Delegation to of EU Member States at a working Turkey Ambassador Christian Berger, lunch organised in cooperation in his speech, indicated that Turkey with the EU Delegation to Turkey and the EU have been collaborating at the TOBB Twin Towers in Ankara. on a variety of issues ranging from During the working lunch, which was the environment, to refugees and hosted by TOBB President M. Rifat chambers. Ambassador Berger Hisarcıklıoğlu, Turkey-EU relations underlined the need for further were the main topic on the agenda. dialogue between Turkey and the EU The opening speeches of the event during this period. were delivered by TOBB President Berger stated that economic M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, IKV Chairman growth in the EU has been Ayhan Zeytinoğlu and Head of the continuing and there has been EU Delegation to Turkey Ambassador a rise in demand for imports, Christian Berger. consumption expenditures and In his opening speech, TOBB employment. Reminding that youth President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu world, support Turkey’s EU accession annual summits per year, migration the TOBB President, IKV Chairman unemployment has been reduced reconfirmed the business world’s process for this reason. We think that and Syrian refugees, a high-level Ayhan Zeytinoğlu gave information to 14.8 percent, Ambassador Berger support for Turkey’s EU membership the revitalisation of the process is energy dialogue, a high-level political regarding the research and projects drew attention to the fact that process. Underscoring that in its important for both Turkey and the EU.” dialogue. These and similar topics, carried out by the foundation. After the EU has recorded the highest history of over 50 years, the greatest Indicating that the scope which would bring Turkey closer to EU having emphasised that IKV aims to employment rate. achievement of the EU has been the of Turkey-EU relations has been membership, were on the agenda at raise awareness on the conducted Highlighting that European “enlargement” process, Hisarcıklıoğlu narrowed down as of October 2018, the time. At the Varna Summit on 26 projects, Ayhan Zeytinoğlu expressed companies have continued their said: “The enlargement process Hisarcıklıoğlu stated: “The joint March 2018 however, the list of topics, that huge amount of effort is made for investments in Turkey, Ambassador has extended democracy, stability, statement made following the Turkey- unfortunately, has been reduced. this purpose. Berger shared the information that security and prosperity throughout EU Leaders’ Meeting on 29 November Refugees, the fight against terrorism, Reminding some important 22,000 European companies have the European continent. Therefore, 2015 was comprised of the following rule of law in Turkey, the Eastern developments related to Turkey’s foreign direct investments in Turkey. enlargement provides gains not only issues: The acceleration of accession Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, as EU accession process, IKV Chairman Underlining the fact that there should for the countries participating in talks, the opening of new chapters, well as Syria, were taken up in the list. Zeytinoğlu expressed his hope be some points guiding the parties in the Union, but also for the countries modernisation of Customs Union, visa As Turkey and the EU are economic that some issues that prevent bilateral relations, Berger pointed out within the EU. We, as the Union liberalisation, Turkey-EU High-Level partners, this situation is extremely sad new chapters from being opened that there have been improvements of Chambers and Commodity Economic Dialogue, the fight against for the business world.” would not constitute problems. IKV in bilateral relations between Turkey Exchanges of Turkey, as the business terrorism, Turkey-EU summits- two Taking the floor following Chairman Zeytinoğlu underscored and some EU Member States. “THE RAPPROCHEMENT WITH GERMANY WOULD REFLECT POSITIVELY ON TURKEY’S EU PROCESS”

economic perspective, bilateral trade escalating trade wars oblige Turkey and addition, concrete success will be between Turkey and Germany has Germany to act together. A quote from achieved if necessary steps are taken reached 36.4 billion dollars in 2017. In President Erdoğan’s article published in the visa liberalisation process. As a the last 15 years, the total amount of in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on the matter of fact, the decisions taken at direct investment from Germany to eve of his arrival in Germany that says the last Reform Action Group meeting Turkey has been 9.15 billion dollars. “The dramatic developments in the are proof that our country continues When we take the first seven months world make it indispensable for both to focus on this issue. I would like to of this year in consideration, we can Germany and Turkey to open a new underscore two points: First, we must see that our foreign trade volume page in bilateral relations, to leave aside remember the important steps taken has exceeded 22 billion dollars and their differences and to focus on their in 2004-2005 and that the EU reforms that Germany maintains its position common interests” summarises this have been effective in improving the as Turkey’s most important trading situation clearly. In terms of Turkey- investment climate in Turkey. The partner with a share of 9.4 percent EU relations, I think the restoration creation of this positive investment in our total foreign trade. Along with of bilateral ties with the Netherlands climate is in our hands. Second, as the economic dimension of Turkey- and Germany will reflect positively expressed by our President and Germany relations, the importance on Turkey’s EU process. The next step Foreign Minister full membership to of political and cultural ties and should be launching of negotiations the EU continues to be our primary KV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu in a in the recent years between Turkey population of people of Turkish origin for the modernisation of the Customs objective. In that case, Turkey should Istatement released prior to Turkish and Germany. By coming together living in Germany are unquestionable.” Union which would create a win-win implement the decisions taken during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit with his counterpart Frank-Walter IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu scenario for both Turkey and Germany. Reform Action Group meeting and to Germany on 27-29 September, Steinmeier and Chancellor Angela stated that the visit taking place at the As you know, with the modernisation take the first steps to demonstrate its expressed that the positive climate Merkel, President Erdoğan will discuss right time with a busy agenda is crucial of the Customs Union, we aim to determination.” between Turkey and Germany would issues related to the economic and for advancing Turkish-German ties: overcome our current problems and Recalling that the Turkey-EU deal reflect on the relationship between global agenda, which are crucial for “Today, we face a global agenda which to strengthen our economic and is the result of Turkey and Germany’s Turkey and the EU. Zeytinoğlu stated: both countries. The development of draws Turkey and Germany together commercial ties by expanding and collective efforts, IKV Chairman Ayhan “We welcome the conciliatory deep-rooted relations between Turkey more than ever. The Syria crisis, the deepening integration into new areas Zeytinoğlu emphasised once again the breeze blowing in the relations and Germany is certainly extremely US sanctions on Iran, migration, such as agriculture, services, public importance of acting in unison in terms instead of the tensions experienced important for both sides. From an the fight against terrorism and the procurement and investments. In of the future of our region and the EU.

 ISSUE 43 . October 2018 19 65 1965 www.ikv.org.tr 19 65 2018 IKV AGENDA TIMELINE OCTOBER 2018 IKV DISCUSSED GLOBAL Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu 1 IKV Secretary General spoke attended the Strategic at the panel organised by SETA. TRANSFORMATION AND THE EU Dialogue on the Western 2 Balkans. Dutch Foreign Minister 3 PROCESS IN GAZIANTEP Blok paid a two-day visit to Turkey. 4

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Turkey’s Permanent 8 Representative to the EU Ambassador Bozay visited IKV. President Erdoğan paid an 9 official visit to Hungary. IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu spoke at TPQ’s 10 roundtable meeting.

11 IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu participated in the Ankara Logistics Summit. 12

Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu 13 visited the UK. 14 Commissioner for Migration n 23 October 2018, IKV in Multilateral Trade Studies Director Turkey-EU relations in the light of Avramopoulos visited Oassociation with the Gaziantep Ambassador Bozkurt Aran delivered global developments, whereas IKV Turkey. 15 Chamber of Commerce EU Information a speech on the changing balances Strategy and Business Development CoE Commissioner for Centre organised a panel entitled in global economy while TEPAV G20 Director Gökhan Kilit spoke on the 16 “Turkey in a Changing World: Global Studies Center Director Sait Akman modernisation of the Customs Human Rights Mijatović Transformation and the EU Process”. talked about the new rules and actors Union and its possible impacts on paid a three-day visit to During the first session of the in global trade. In the second session agriculture and IKV Research Director Turkey. 17 panel, which was moderated by of the panel, IKV Secretary General Çisel İleri elaborated on EU funding EU leaders met in Brussels IKV Deputy-Chairman Prof. Halûk Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas delivered opportunities that the business 18 Kabaalioğlu, TEPAV Center for a speech on the state of play in community can benefit from. to discuss migration and internal security. 19 TOBB hosted EU ambassadors at a working TURKEY’S NEW PERMANENT DELEGATE TO lunch jointly organised 20 with IKV. THE EU VISITED IKV 21

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23 IKV organised a panel entitled “Turkey in a Changing World: Global 24 Transformation and the EU Process” in Gaziantep. 25 IKV organised a conference on international investments Turkish Cypriot and Greek 26 and trade. Cypriot leaders’ meeting Leaders of Russia, Turkey, 27 Germany and France will come together in to 28 discuss the conflict in Syria. Issue 25 • December 2016 3 29

urkey’s incoming Permanent Delegate to the EU Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu and IKV Secretary General 30 TAmbassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay paid a courtesy Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas. Latest developments and visit to IKV on 9 October 2018, shortly before taking office potential opportunities for cooperation were discussed 31 in Brussels. Ambassador Bozay came together with IKV during the visit.

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IKV AGENDA IKV EU INFORMATION CENTRE CELEBRATED CLIMATE ACTION WEEK WITH A FILM SCREENING AND PANEL KV Istanbul EU Information Centre climate change and work together Iorganised a movie screening and to eliminate the impacts of climate panel on 24 September 2018 on the change. “We must develop common occasion of EU Climate Action Week. strategies to combat the negative The opening speeches of the event impacts of climate change and to adapt were delivered by IKV Chairman to its unimaginable consequences”, Ayhan Zeytinoğlu and Deputy Head Zeytinoğlu added. of the EU Delegation to Turkey Gabriel Deputy Head of EU Delegation Munuera Viñals. Within the scope of to Turkey Gabriel Munuera Viñals the event, the film entitled “Grain”, highlighted that Turkey and the EU have which has received numerous awards a deep-rooted history of cooperation in international festivals and highlights in the field of environment and climate the negative consequences of climate change and reminded that Chapter change, was screened. Following the 27 on “Environment” has been opened screening of the film, a panel session for negotiations in 2009. “The EU’s took place with the participation of support for the environment and Screenwriter and Film Director, Semih climate change fields from a wide Kaplanoğlu. range of water and waste management In his opening speech, IKV to infrastructure, from biodiversity Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu conservation to chemical management underscored that the EU and Turkey has exceeded 1 billion euro”, Viñals have to collaborate in the fight against stated. IKV CHAIRMAN DELIVERED A SPEECH AT TPQ ROUNDTABLE MEETING

n 9 October 2018, OIKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu spoke at the roundtable meeting entitled “Differing Visions for Turkey-EU Engagement” organised by the Turkish Policy Quarterly. IKV Chairman shared his views on the modernisation of the Turkey- EU Customs Union and the state of play in the EU accession talks.

IKV CHAIRMAN PARTICIPATED IN IKV SECRETARY GENERAL DELIVERED A ANKARA LOGISTICS SUMMIT SPEECH AT A PANEL ORGANISED BY SETA

n 1 October 2018, IKV Secretary General Ataman, IKV Secretary General assessed the OAssoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas delivered a latest developments in Turkey-EU relations. speech at the panel entitled “The Fault Lines Other panellists included Professor of KV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu in the session entitled “Public and Private in the EU”, organised by SETA Foundation in European Politics at Sheffield University Iparticipated in the Ankara Logistics Sector Cooperation in Future Logistics” Istanbul. Speaking at the panel moderated Simon Bulmer and the Dean of Medipol Summit held on 11-13 October 2018. IKV and shared his insights on Turkey-EU by Foreign Policy Director and Editor-in- University Faculty of Humanities and Social Chairman Zeytinoğlu delivered a speech relations and the Customs Union. Chief of Insight Turkey magazine Muhittin Sciences Prof. Ali Resul Usul.

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TURKEY-EU WATCH PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN ADDRESSED THE 73RD SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY President Erdoğan has advocated for reforming the structure of the Security Council at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, stipulating the motto “The world is bigger than five”.

n 23-26 September 2018, Turkish President Recep Tayyip OErdoğan accompanied by Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and Minister of Trade Ruhsar Pekcan visited New York on the occasion of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. The theme of this year’s General Assembly meeting was “Making the UN Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies”. In his speech at the opening of the 73rd session of the General Assembly, President Erdoğan said that the UN has moved away from meeting the expectations of humanity for peace and welfare, particularly as the Security Council only serves the interests of its veto‑right- holding members. Stressing that Turkey will continue to be on the side of the oppressed Palestinian people and the protection of the historical legal status of Jerusalem, he called for comprehensive reform to the structure and functioning of the UN, adding that budget reform alone will not address UN’s problems. On the side-lines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, President Erdoğan held bilateral meetings with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres as well as heads of state and government of several countries. During his visit to New York, President Erdoğan also met with representatives of business circles of the US, Muslim and Turkish communities and delivered a speech at the “9th Turkey Investment Conference” organised by Turkey-US Business Council (TAİK) and attended the separate events of TURKEN Foundation as well as Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC).

COMMISSIONER AVRAMOPOULOS MADE POSITIVE REMARKS DURING HIS VISIT TO TURKEY During his visit, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos reaffirmed that Turkey and the EU have always been and should remain partners.

ommissioner for visit, Avramopoulos was CMigration, Home Affairs received by President and Citizenship Dimitris Erdoğan. Following the forty Avramopoulos paid an minute-long closed door official visit to Turkey on 15 meeting in the Presidential October 2018 to discuss Complex, the Commissioner the primary issues on his and his delegation came agenda with President Recep together with Interior Minister Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister Soylu. Pointing that Turkey of Interior Süleyman Soylu. has been implementing a Prior to his Turkey visit, successful migration policy, Commissioner Avramopoulos Minister Soylu expressed underlined in an interview the detention of irregular that he has always believed migrants trying to cross in Turkey’s European path, from Turkey to Greece has and the moment is there risen from 10 percent to 54 for Turkey to come closer percent in the last five years. to Europe. “Turkey and the In turn, Avramopoulos replied EU have always been and that the EU would continue should remain partners”, supporting Turkey politically, Commissioner Avramopoulos operationally and financially added. in its difficult humanitarian In the context of his mission.

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TURKEY-EU WATCH TURKISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED A NEW PLAN TO TAME ESCALATING INFLATION

n 9 October 2018, Treasury and Finance Minister Albayrak promised an “all-out-war” OMinister Berat Albayrak announced a on inflation by demanding the support of new set of measures to tame inflation. As Turkish private sector stating that “the fight known, the Turkish economy has been going against inflation and price stability is not a through a tough period especially since fight that can be conducted by the state and August in the wake of the US sanctions of its institutions alone”. In accordance with particularly doubling tariffs on imported the plan announced by Minister Albayrak, steel and aluminium from Turkey. The Turkish inflation is planned to drop beginning economy has found itself in the middle of a from the end of October by means of the chaotic atmosphere with escalating inflation following steps. and the sharp devaluation of the Turkish Firstly, firms that are eager to be involved lira. As a matter of fact, inflation which was in the all-out-war on inflation will reduce their around 10-12 percent in the first five months prices by at least 10 percent. Secondly, prices of 2018 jumped to 15.3 percent in June, 17.9 of electricity and natural gas are not going to percent in August and lastly 24.5 percent in increase until the end of 2018. Thirdly, banks September. Furthermore, the devaluation would give 10 percent discount to high- of especially against the dollar interest loans that have been given after 1 has become dramatic with a loss of value by August. Fourthly, in order to ensure price cuts more than 40 percent. Fortunately, the lira has in fruit and vegetables, some amendments begun to appreciate by small amounts thanks in the relevant law are going to be made. to some important developments including What is more, the upper limit in increase rate the announcement of New Economic of rents will be determined in accordance Program, the release of Pastor Andrew with producer prices instead of highly Brunson and the Central Bank’s decision to volatile consumer prices that are sensitive to raise interest rates by 625 basis points. changes in exchange rates and commodity As stated by Minister Albayrak during prices. Last but not least, a special logo for the press conference on 9 October, the the all-out-war on inflation to identify the fluctuations in exchange rates are on the companies that have voluntarily applied way to come to an end, so it is now the 10 percent cuts has been introduced and time to combat with price increases. The consumers are encouraged to purchase the upward trend in inflation has raised concerns goods bearing this logo. Finally, a website has since it reached its highest level in the last been launched for this campaign to ensure 15 years. Therefore, taking some concrete that citizens are able to follow the companies steps in collaboration with the public and supporting the plan to tame escalating private sector was urgently needed. Hence, inflation.

TURKISH COURT RULED TO RELEASE MEPS VOTED TO CANCEL 70 MILLION EUROS FORESEEN AMERICAN PASTOR BRUNSON FOR TURKEY he case of Evangelical Pastor TAndrew Craig Brunson has caused a diplomatic crisis between Turkey and the US, setting the tone in the relations since July 2018. Pastor Brunson, who has been living in Izmir for 23 years and serving as a pastor in Izmir, was detained for nearly two years with charges of involvement in the 15 July coup attempt. The Trump administration has asked Turkey for the unconditional release of the pastor but Turkish courts have rejected to release him saying evidence was still he European Parliament, in a improvements concerning the rule being collected and moved him to house controversial move on 2 October of law, democracy, human rights arrest. Following the house arrest decision, T 2018, decided to cancel 70 million and press freedom according to the the Trump administration has decided euros in pre-accession funds allocated Commission’s annual report on Turkey. to impose sanctions over the detention Turkey. Turkey and the EU condemned the Trump to Turkey citing rule of law conditions. However, since the Commission’s of the pastor on espionage charges and tweeted to administration for slapping financial sanctions as a way The related report by Romanian MEP Turkey Report had concluded that pronounce doubling tariffs on aluminium and steel to impose their view on deteriorating diplomatic and Siegfried Muresan was adopted during Turkey has been moving away from the on 10 August. Trump’s attitude of using financial economic relations. the EP Plenary session in Strasbourg EU, MEPs argued that the condition has sanctions to punish the Turkish court’s decision on On 12 October 2018, the Second High Criminal with 544 votes, 28 against and 74 not been met and therefore decided to pastor Brunson case was extraordinary in every respect Court in Izmir decided to release the American Pastor abstentions. cancel the 70 million euros foreseen for as it has inflamed diplomatic and political tensions Brunson, ruling to lift all judicial restrictions, including between two key NATO allies. his house arrest and travel ban. It is expected that the According to an EP press Turkey. MEPs supported Commission’s Moreover, Trump’s sanction policy on Turkey over Court’s decision would breathe fresh air to the Turkey- statement, the EP and the Council in proposal to transfer this amount to the the case of Pastor Brunson has received widespread US relationship which has been strained over the last November 2017 had decided to place European Neighbourhood Instrument criticism from the EU and its Member States with months because of the pastor case at a time when in reserve 70 million euros in pre- to cover actions linked to the Central numerous EU leaders showing solidarity with Turkish currency has sharply deteriorated. accession funding for Turkey under the Mediterranean migratory route and to condition that Turkey made measurable fulfil part of the EU pledge for Syria.

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HIGH-LEVEL EXCHANGES

PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN PAID AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO HUNGARY

resident Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that a including culture, and PErdoğan paid an much closer cooperation specified the establishment official visit to Hungary with Hungary with a view of the High Level Strategic on 8-9 October 2018 to contributing to Africa’s Cooperation Council in 2013, upon the invitation of his development efforts is which is due to be hosted Hungarian counterpart aimed. Being two countries by Hungary next year, as the János Áder. Following the with roots reaching back most significant step in the meeting with Hungarian to Asia, President Erdoğan cooperation between Turkey President Áder, President also made a reference to and Hungary. During the Erdoğan came together with the Turkic Council in which meeting in which Turkish- Hungarian Prime Minister Hungarian Prime Minister Hungarian cooperation Victor Orbán. During the Orbán participated as an in areas including joint press conference observer as an example economy, politics were held at the Hungarian of strengthening relations also discussed, President National Assembly between Asia and Hungary. Erdoğan underlined that following his meeting with Touching upon the two countries achieved 2.6 Orbán, President Erdoğan restoration of the Tomb of billion dollars in bilateral underlined the importance Gül Baba, President Erdoğan trade volume in 2017, and of Hungary’s support, emphasised that both that their shared goal is to especially on the way to countries enjoy excellent raise that amount to 5 billion EU membership. President relations in numerous areas, dollars.

ROMANIAN PRIME MINISTER DĂNCILĂ VISITED TURKEY

n 15 October 2018, President Recep and underscored the desire to establish between two countries. The parties also OTayyip Erdoğan received Romanian a close working relationship with the EU. pronounced their objective of raising Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă, who was Drawing attention to the fact that the two the bilateral trade volume, which was on an official visit to Turkey. Following countries marked the 140th anniversary approximately 6 billion dollars last year, to their bilateral meeting, President of the establishment of their diplomatic 10 billion dollars. Romanian Prime Minister Erdoğan and Prime Minister Dăncilă relations, President Erdoğan underscored Dăncilă praised Turkey’s contribution to attended the working dinner between that Turkish-Romanian relations have Europe’s security and its role in managing the delegations and held a joint press been elevated to the level of strategic the refugee crisis. She also underlined the conference. Speaking at the press partnership since 2011. robustness of the strategic partnership conference, President Erdoğan indicated President Erdoğan also applauded between Turkey and Romania. In the on 16 April 2018. In NATO allies’ solidarity YPG, FETÖ and ISIL and that Romania’s upcoming Presidency Romania for its cooperation in security and context of the visit, Prime Minister Dăncilă the context of the in the fight against all expressed that decisions of the Council of the EU, set to begin in the fight against terrorism and stated that accompanied by a delegation of ministers visit, Stoltenberg kinds of terrorism was regarding enlargement January 2019, would be an important economic and commercial relations make came together with TOBB President M. came together with emphasised. policy should be taken. opportunity for Turkish-Romanian relations up a significant dimension of the relations Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu. President Recep Tayyip Following the Lastly, Stoltenberg Erdoğan, Minister of meeting with President met with Minister Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Erdoğan, Stoltenberg of National Defence TURKISH AND FRENCH FOREIGN Çavuşoğlu and Minister came together with . During FOREIGN MINISTERof National Defence ÇAVUŞOĞLUMinister of Foreign VISITEDthe meeting, Minister MINISTERS DISCUSSED SYRIA Nurettin Canikli. Affairs Mevlüt Canikli and NATO THE UNITED KINGDOMDuring the visit, Çavuşoğlu. Minister Secretary General Jens NATO Secretary Çavuşoğlu and Secretary Stoltenberg discussed n 13-15 October 2018, TurkishGeneral Stoltenberg General Stoltenberg the cooperation in the OForeign Minister Mevlüt Cavuşoğlu visited the UK. During his two-day official visit, Çavuşoğlu met with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jeremy Hunt. The discussions focused on the implementation of Strategic Security Partnership Mechanism and all aspects of Turkey-UK relations, particularly trade and commercial investment. Regional developments, including the EU and the Brexit process as well as the latest situation in Syria were also discussed during urkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt negotiated political solution for the the meeting. According to a TÇavuşoğlu travelled to Paris on hopefully next pacification process in statement by the British Foreign 30 September 2018 in order to meet Syria. During the one and a half hour Office, Hunt raised the situation in with his French counterpart Jean- meeting, French Foreign Minister Le Syria, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of civilians in Yves Le Drian. During their meeting Drian expressed his support for the At the roundtable Minister Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that Idlib and commended Turkey for at the Quai d’Orsay, the two Foreign Sochi agreement and Turkey’s position. Çavuşoğlu underlined the need Turkish citizens in the UK serve as hosting over 3.6 million refugees. Ministers focused on the situation in Moreover, Çavuşoğlu and Le Drian to ensure peace, welfare and a bridge of friendship between Prior to meeting his British Syria in the aftermath of the Sochi discussed and reaffirmed their support security together and stressed that Turkey and the UK and during the counterpart, Minister Çavuşoğlu Turkey is a key partner for Europe Brexit process Turkey will follow agreement reached between Turkey for the new Libya roadmap presented delivered a speech at the Chatham in the prevention and solution closely that the rights of the Turkish and Russia on 17 September 2018 for by the UN Secretary-General’s special House roundtable titled “Europe of crises. Minister Çavuşoğlu also community stemming from the in a Changing World Order: establishing a demilitarised zone in envoy Salamé calling for Libya to move met with Turkish citizens and Turkey-EU Association Law are Cooperation vs. Confrontation”. the Idlib region. The ministers shared towards secure, credible and inclusive representatives of NGOs in the UK. respected. their views on the importance of a elections as soon as possible.

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EXPERT VIEW TURKISH-DUTCH RELATIONS: FROM BREAKING POINT TO NORMALISATION Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok’s visit on 3 October has been a concrete expression of the ease in the tense atmosphere in the relations prevailing for the last two years.

Sema GENÇAY ÇAPANOĞLU, including migration, the fight against IKV Senior Researcher terrorism and emphasised the significance of fostering economic cooperation. he strained relations As regards Turkey-EU relations, between Turkey and the Çavuşoğlu recalled that the Turkey- TNetherlands have entered EU Statement of 18 March 2016 on into a normalisation phase following migration had been signed during the consensus reached between the Dutch Presidency of the European the parties last July. And diplomatic Council and he voiced his appreciation relations, which had been reduced for the Dutch government’s to the level of chargé d’affaires, were contribution to this process and restored as the parties decided to re- expressed that they will increase appoint ambassadors in September. collaboration in this respect. The first breaking point in the Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok’s Turkish-Dutch relations was triggered visit was a sign of the normalisation with the prevention by the Dutch of the relations between Turkey and authorities in its territories the Turkish the Netherlands. Pointing out to the politicians from holding campaigns strong relations between the two prior to the constitutional amendment countries, Dutch Foreign Minister Blok referendum in Turkey. The Dutch noted the importance of democracy authorities prevented Foreign Minister and the protection of the rule of Çavuşoğlu’s visit to the Netherlands law. As regards the economy, Blok by cancelling the flight permit of the underscored that despite the current plane carrying him on 11 March 2017. difficulties, Turkey still offers a lot of Just after this incident, the Dutch opportunities to foreign investors as it government also prevented Family has been the case in the last decade. and Social Affairs Minister Fatma Betül Blok also announced that a joint Sayan Kaya from entering the premises economic council would soon meet to of the Turkish Consulate in Rotterdam, discuss ways to increase bilateral trade blocking her from addressing the with Turkey. Turkish community in the Netherlands. EU and populist rhetoric, fell behind would put bilateral relations back on of economy and intelligence sharing. In fact, the revitalisation of the Tensions further increased this year in Turkish-Dutch relations could have a February when the Dutch Parliament the VVD. Therefore, the election results track and re-establish the dialogue and The following words by Foreign in the Netherlands brought positive trust between the two countries. Minister Çavuşoğlu: “Hereafter, we significant potential. Currently, the 400- took a controversial decision and thousand strong Turkish community in recognised the 1915 incidents as outcomes for the EU and Turkey at the want to develop our ties by focusing same time. The Last Step on the Normalisation on a joint positive agenda” summarise the Netherlands constitutes the largest genocide. foreign population in the country. Meanwhile, populist rhetoric As a consequence, the tense of Turkish-Dutch Relations the central theme of the joint press The FDI volume with the Netherlands of the extreme right-wing groups relations entered into a normalisation The visit of the Dutch Foreign conference. being the largest FDI provider for in the Netherlands has escalated phase with the reconciliation of the Minister Blok to Turkey on 3 October Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu Turkey and the foreign trade volume ahead of the 15 March 2017 general two parties in July. The first step was 2018 was a sign of reassurance underscored the long-lasting between the two countries reaching elections in the country. In fact, this taken on 11 July 2018 on the margins of peace and trust in the bilateral historical ties of more than 400 years 7.6 billion dollars show the importance does not appear to be a coincidence of the NATO Summit in Brussels where relations. During the meeting, the and friendly relations between the of the bilateral economic relations and explains the reason behind the the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and the two Foreign Ministers discussed two countries and said that both between the two countries. We political crisis with Turkey. Netherlands had a meeting. This was Turkish-Dutch relations and Turkey-EU sides had learned lessons from the followed by the Dutch Foreign Minister relations as well as issues of regional past. Çavuşoğlu also underlined hope that the positive atmosphere created with the restoration and the Steps for the Normalisation of the Stef Blok sending a letter addressed and international significance. Possible the dimension of the Turkish-Dutch normalisation of the ties between the Turkish-Dutch Relations to his Turkish counterpart, reaffirming steps to be taken in the coming economic relations, pointing out two countries will be reflected in every As a result of the general elections his willingness to normalise relations. period following re-appointment of that Dutch companies rank first aspect of the relations. Çavuşoğlu’s held in the Netherlands last year, Prime Upon this letter, Foreign Minister ambassadors were also assessed. concerning FDI flows to Turkey. The announcement of his intention to visit Minister Mark Rutte and his centre- Çavuşoğlu had a phone conversation Foreign Ministers Çavuşoğlu and two ministers affirmed that Turkey the Netherlands as a response to his right party, People’s Party for Freedom with Blok during which they agreed Blok held a joint press conference and Netherlands have been NATO counterpart’s visit and the willingness and Democracy (VVD) has been to pave the way for strengthening after the meeting where the two allies for over six decades and enjoy of the two parties for working together re-elected. The leader of the far-right the relations bilaterally and reinstate parties agreed to leave a two-year long substantial trade and investment ties. in this period reveal that bilateral Party for Freedom (PVV) Geert Wilders, mutually their ambassadors. bilateral dispute behind by turning a They also underlined the importance relations are open to development in who has adopted an anti-Islamist, anti- Çavuşoğlu invited Blok to visit Turkey “new page” in Turkish-Dutch ties and of the strategic cooperation between in efforts to determine a roadmap that by intensifying cooperation in the field the two countries in various fields the future.

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 ISSUE 43 . October 2018