Discussing the steps to strengthen the bilateral relations, Erdoğan and Chancellor Merkel addressed the Turkey-EU relations in the new period.

Expressing Turkey’s desire to turn a new page in its relations with the EU, Erdoğan thanked Chancellor Merkel for her constructive contributions and efforts regarding the Turkey-EU relations.

Stressing the importance he attaches to the reference made to a positive agenda at the latest EU summit with the contributions of sensible leaders, Erdoğan, however, added that those trying to create crises in the Turkey-EU relations would harm this window of opportunity for a positive agenda and mutual benefit.

Even though Turkey expresses readiness to resume exploratory talks with Greece, the Greek side avoids talks with new excuses, Erdoğan underlined, further stressing that Turkey continues to display a well-intentioned and constructive stance on the Eastern Mediterranean issue.

Pointing out that time has been wasted because the Turkey-EU relations have been confined to the narrow interests of some member states over the past two years, Erdoğan stated that updating the March 18 agreement is the key to the positive agenda emphasized in the conclusions of the latest EU summit.

Erdoğan also congratulated Chancellor Merkel on the approaching Christmas and New Year.