News - Erdogan: Turkey's sincere steps towards EU are not mutual

Some European Union (EU) countries are unable to see the great potential of cooperation with Turkey and Ankara's contribution to EU development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated. "Our sincere steps towards the European Union do not find mutual response due to the obstacles created by some EU members who cannot see Turkey's potential great contribution, and only care about their own interests," Erdogan said during a business forum held in Madrid. He added that the current situation as a result of the recent EU European Parliament elections and the alarming popularity of far-right forces will exacerbate this state of affairs. According to Erdogan, the potential of Turkey’s trade and economic cooperation with the EU is limited by strict visa requirement conditions, as well as by the lack of progress in updating the EU Customs Union agreement. Also, the head of Turkey expressed gratitude to Spain for sincerely supporting Ankara on its way to the EU, and expressed his belief that Spain will continue such positive steps. Erdogan noted that he considers it useful to encourage the Spanish business community to take positive steps towards Turkey in some EU circles.