Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky is set to visit Ankara at the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The two diplomats will engage in high-level talks on June 25, culminating in a joint press conference. During his visit, Lipavsky will pay respects at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Türkiye’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and tour the Turkish Parliament.
Türkiye-EU relations will be a prominent topic on the agenda, according to diplomatic sources. Fidan is expected to communicate Ankara’s expectations from the Czech Republic in this regard. Although Türkiye’s accession process to the EU has stalled in recent years, there is a renewed effort to rejuvenate ties, particularly in the realms of economy, trade, and energy.
One of the significant objectives for Türkiye is to press the EU to initiate negotiations for the modernisation of the customs union. This move is seen as pivotal for enhancing economic integration and facilitating smoother trade relations between Türkiye and EU member states. Additionally, Fidan and Lipavsky will deliberate on the latest developments in the Israeli-Hamas conflict and the ongoing Russian occupation of Ukraine.
The forthcoming NATO leaders’ summit, scheduled to take place in Washington from July 9 to 11, will also be a critical point of discussion. This summit is noteworthy as it marks the 75th anniversary of the alliance and will primarily focus on the Russia-Ukraine war and NATO’s collective security and deterrence capabilities amidst rising geopolitical risks. Both ministers are expected to exchange views on these crucial matters, underscoring the importance of a united NATO front.
As 2024 commemorates the centennial of the friendship treaty between Türkiye and the Czech Republic, Fidan and Lipavsky will highlight the importance of further deepening bilateral ties. On the trade front, there is a mutual ambition to elevate the trade volume between the two countries from its current $5.8 billion to $10 billion. This goal follows the positive outcomes of a recent Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting held in Prague, which identified numerous opportunities for expanding and diversifying economic cooperation.
In the realm of defence, Türkiye and the Czech Republic are looking to enhance their collaboration through concrete projects. This includes potential partnerships in the defence industry, which would bolster both countries’ capabilities and foster closer security ties.
The visit by Minister Lipavsky underscores the strategic importance of Czech-Turkish relations and their shared interest in addressing global and regional challenges. By reinforcing their bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation, both nations aim to contribute positively to the stability and prosperity of their respective regions.
In summary, the discussions between Fidan and Lipavsky will not only focus on strengthening Türkiye-EU relations but also on addressing pressing global issues such as the conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, enhancing NATO’s security framework, and expanding bilateral trade and defence cooperation. This visit is a testament to the enduring partnership between Türkiye and the Czech Republic, built on a century of friendship and shared strategic interests.
