Joint press release by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission following their video conference with President Erdoğan

Ahead of the March European Council President Michel and President of the European Commission von der Leyen had a videoconference today Friday 19 March 2021 with President Erdoğan of the Republic of Turkey.

They discussed the follow up to the December European Council, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the forthcoming Cyprus settlement talks, and the state of play of EU - Turkey relations.

The EU side underlined the importance of sustained de-escalation and further strengthening confidence building to allow for a more positive EU-Turkey agenda.

The Presidents also exchanged views on the situation of Syrian refugees hosted in Turkey, as well as the wider regional situation including Libya and Syria.

They also discussed a possible visit to Turkey following the March European Council.