Erdogan: EU Customs Union, visa steps serve everyone’s interests

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the European Union to advance work on the Customs Union and visa liberalization with Türkiye, saying such moves would be in the interest of all parties. Erdogan made the remarks on Monday during a joint news conference with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Ankara.

Türkiye and Austria eye strategic cooperation

Erdogan said Türkiye and Austria have room to deepen cooperation in areas ranging from green energy and critical minerals to advanced technology, transportation and defense. He also pointed to the Middle Corridor, the trade route linking Asia and Europe through Türkiye, as an area where Ankara and Vienna could pursue strategic cooperation.

“Together with Austria, we can implement strategic cooperation to strengthen the Middle Corridor,” Erdogan said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts between the two countries.

Turkish community seen as shared value

The Turkish president also highlighted the more than 400,000-strong Turkish community in Austria, describing it as an important common asset for both countries. He said Ankara places particular importance on the community’s peace, prosperity and well-being.

Erdogan said his discussions with Stocker covered the full scope of Türkiye-Austria relations, alongside Türkiye-EU ties and major regional and international developments.

Trade target set at $5 billion

Economic relations featured prominently in the talks. Erdogan said the positive trajectory in bilateral ties has been reflected in trade and investment, adding that Türkiye aims to raise bilateral trade from roughly $4.5 billion in 2025 to $5 billion this year.

More than 1,000 Austrian companies currently operate in Türkiye, according to Erdogan. Austrian foreign direct investment in Türkiye has surpassed $11 billion, while Turkish investments in Austria are nearing $1 billion.

Erdogan also proposed replacing the existing Joint Economic Commission with an Economic and Trade Joint Committee, saying the new mechanism could provide a more effective platform for strengthening commercial ties. He said Ankara hopes the committee can hold its first meeting before the end of 2026.

Ankara highlights Syria, Gaza and Balkans

Erdogan said he shared Türkiye’s expectations concerning its relationship with the EU during the meeting and exchanged views with Stocker on regional and global developments.

“Syria’s territorial integrity and unity remain our priority,” Erdogan said, stressing that Türkiye would welcome Austria’s contribution to Syria’s reconstruction.

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for a two-state solution and stressed the need for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza without interruption. He noted that the issue of humanitarian aid is also of particular importance to the Austrian chancellor.

Erdogan further said Türkiye and Austria share an interest in preserving stability across the Balkans, adding another regional dimension to the countries’ expanding diplomatic engagement.