EU: Cooperation with Turkiye for ‘green transformation’ more important than ever

ISTANBUL

Cooperation between Turkiye and the EU for green transformation is more important than ever now, said a senior EU official on Thursday.

“Being close partners for the green transformation of our economies matters now more than ever,” said Frans Timmermans, the European Commission’s executive vice-president, on Twitter following a meeting with Turkish Trade Minister Mehmet Mus.

“Looking forward to Turkey's next steps to speed up its transition to climate neutrality in 2053,” he added.

Timmermans is in the Turkish capital Ankara for two days to strengthen cooperation on climate. He also met with Murat Kurum, the environment, urbanization, and climate change minister.

He thanked Kurum on Twitter for the “fruitful 2nd EU-Turkiye High Level Climate Dialogue.”

“We must boost adaptation, increase ambition to keep 1.5 alive, and strengthen our cooperation with each other and in the region. I commend Turkey’s commitment to update its NDC before #COP27.”

Timmermans also met with Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan. Sharing pictures from their talks on Twitter, the EU diplomat said Erdogan’s “work on zero waste makes her a true champion for the environment, and who helps lead Turkey's climate ambition.”

The first lady and Timmermans discussed the importance of Turkish-EU “cooperation to reduce microplastics from textiles and smart farming,” he added.

Following a meeting with representatives of Turkish NGOs, Timmermans said on Twitter: “Interesting and inspiring meeting with Turkish climate and energy NGO’s who play an essential role in the green transition.”

“Building on Turkey’s 2053 net-zero commitment, it is now important to focus on the policies to get there,” he added.

On Wednesday, Timmermans met Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and discussed regional developments, Ukraine, energy, and climate change.

The EU official also took to Twitter after the meeting, saying: “We agreed on the importance of EU-Turkey relations and the relevance of cooperation, also in the Mediterranean, on climate action and an accelerated energy transition.”

The first EU-Turkiye High Level Climate Dialogue meeting was held last Sept. 16 in Brussels.