In the meeting, which focused on the relations between the two countries, the issue of refugees, the EU's promises and attitudes at this point and the latest situation in Venezuela were discussed.
"Turkiye-Malta relations have made rapid progress in recent years"
Stating that the Turkiye-Malta relations have made rapid progress in recent years, President Erdoğan, recalling that businesspeople from both countries came together at the business council meeting held in Istanbul, underlined that the unique economic advantages of the two countries offer different opportunities to entrepreneurs.
Pointing out that it is for the benefit that Turkish and Maltese businesspeople utilize these opportunities and turn them into further investments, trade, and cooperation, President Erdoğan said both leaders have the will of raising the bilateral trade volume to 2 billion dollars, and that they are determined to increase it to 1 billion dollars at the first stage.
"We agreed to further enhance the bilateral relations"
President Erdoğan continued as follows: "Turkish companies have recently made important investments in Malta in such areas as construction, infrastructure, tourism, and financial services."
"Our companies have successfully realized many projects. If given the opportunity, Turkish companies, with their experience and services appreciated by the entire world, can make significant contributions to Malta."
President Erdoğan, expressing his wish for President Coleiro Preca of Malta to give the necessary support to Turkish companies, highlighted that during the talks, he and his Maltese counterpart agreed to further enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries in the areas of culture, tourism, education, healthcare and energy in particular.
"Malta is one of the strongest supporters of Turkiye's European Union membership"
Underscoring that Malta is one of the strongest supporters of Turkiye’s European Union membership, President Erdoğan said: "On this occasion, I would like to say that I believe their support to our relations with the European Union will continue in the period ahead."
"The visa-free travel with the European Union and the update of the Customs Union will reflect on our relations with Malta as more service, investment, and tourism."
Also touching upon the promises given by the European Union to Turkiye with regard to the migration issue, President Erdoğan underscored that Turkiye has thus far spent 35 billion dollars for refugees, but has received only 1.75 billion euros although a total of 6 billion euros have been promised.
Pointing out that Turkiye will continue to help the people in need whether this money will come or not, President Erdoğan noted they will continue their works to make those people live in better conditions.
"If you do not respect the outcome of the polls, then it is not called democracy"
Answering reporters' questions following his remarks, President Erdoğan, in answer to a question regarding the recent developments in Venezuela and U.S. President Donald Trump's statements on the issue, said: "What I have known of democracy over my 40-year political career is that you have to respect the outcome of the polls. If you do not, then it is not called democracy, but totalitarian mentality. Maduro has come out of the polls as the winner."
Stating that he, as a person who believes in democracy, was surprised at U.S. President Trump's remarks about Venezuela, President Erdoğan said that he called Maduro after he returned to Turkiye from his visit to Russia, and told him not to give credit to antidemocratic initiatives and to stand tall.
Pointing out that following the July 15 coup attempt no country from the European Union called Turkiye, President Erdoğan stressed that after days and weeks only the U.K. called, and added: "We know who is democrat and who is not, we know all this. We, as politicians, will note down all this. But, I believe that the Venezuelan people will stand by the leader they have elected if Maduro stands tall and continues down the path he believes in."
"Turkiye is taking to be a catalyst for the security and peace in the region"
President Coleiro Preca of Malta, for her part, stated that she welcomes and appreciates Turkiye’s efforts to conduct the dialogue in its region, and added: "Turkiye is taking to be a catalyst for the security and peace in the region."
"I would also like to commend you and your government for striving to support millions of refugees and asylum seekers. You just thought the humanitarian aspect of the refugee crises rather than political gains," she added.
Stating that Malta supports the dialogue process between Turkiye and the European Union, President Coleiro Preca noted that Malta, in accordance with its vision and mission, also supports the European Union enlargement process.
ILKHA