The European Council held a strategic debate on EU-Turkey relations, taking into account the joint communication of the High Representative and the Commission on the state of EU-Turkey political, economic and trade relations, it says, noting that the European Union has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and to develop a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey.
The European Council mandates the Permanent Representatives, while respecting the competences of the relevant institutions, to advance work on the recommendations of the Joint Communication in accordance with the previous conclusions of the European Council and in a gradual, proportionate and reversible manner, subject to additional guidance from the European Council. Turkey's constructive engagement will make a decisive contribution to advancing the various areas of cooperation identified in the joint communiqué, the conclusions state.
In this context, the leaders emphasize that the European Union attaches particular importance to the resumption and progress of the talks on the settlement of the Cyprus issue in order to further strengthen EU-Turkey cooperation. Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, within the framework of the United Nations, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the principles on which the Union is based and the acquis. The European Council welcomes the appointment of Maria Ángela Holguín Quellar as the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Cyprus. The European Union is ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all the appropriate means at its disposal, the "27" conclude.
Source: protothema.gr
