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Turkey wants to take its relations with the European Union to a new phase

28 August 2018

Turkey wants to take its relations with the European Union to a new phase in a period when its trade with the bloc is more important, Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak has said during a press conference with his French counterpart, during which both sides underlined the importance of Turkish-EU ties, the Turkish english language daily, Hurriyet Daily News, reports

Speaking at a news conference with his French counterpart Bruno Le Maire in Paris on Monday (27 August) Albayrak said recent unilateral steps taken by the United States had shown relations between Turkey and the EU, especially France, were more important than ever. "We want to take relations with the European Union to a new phase," Albayrak said, adding that Turkey wanted to increase trade with France-now at 14 billion euros-to 20 billion euros.

On his part he French minister encouraged Turkey to use all available economic policy tools to ensure sustainable growth.

"It is in everyone's interest, in France, in Turkey, in Europe, that the situation stabilizes in Turkey," Le Maire told reporters in the wake of a significant hit to the Turkish Lira amid strained ties between Turkey and the U.S. over the trial of pastor Andrew Brunson.

Le Maire said Albayrak had stressed his country's commitment to structural reforms. "France encourages Turkish authorities to give this absolute priority ... by using all the leverage available through economic policy," he noted.

Recent steps taken by the United States against Turkey are politically motivated and could serve to ultimately bolster regional terrorism and the refugee crisis, Albayrak also said during the press conference.

source: commonspace.eu with Hurriyet Daily News

photo: Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak (L) and French Minister of Economy Bruno Le Maire (R) hold a joint press conference in Paris, France on August 27, 2018. (picture courtesy of Anadolu Agency )

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