EU's Kaja Kallas describes Türkiye as strategic partner

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has described Türkiye as a strategic partner, highlighting its importance to NATO while reiterating the bloc's concerns over democratic standards linked to its EU membership bid.

Speaking ahead of a summit, Kallas said Türkiye remains an important partner for the European Union, particularly at a time when transatlantic relations are under strain, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

"Türkiye is a partner of strategic importance," Kallas said. "Of course, before every summit it is said that this is a historic one. But it's true that right now, the transatlantic relations have also been under some heavy strain."

Kallas noted that Türkiye remains an official candidate for European Union membership but said progress has been hindered by concerns over fundamental freedoms.

"Türkiye is an EU candidate country. Of course, there have also been a lot of issues regarding fundamental freedoms that are basics of EU membership, really," she said.

At the same time, Kallas underscored Türkiye's role within NATO, describing it as a key ally with significant military capabilities.

"When it comes to NATO, then Türkiye is the second biggest army in NATO and definitely with a very strong defense industry," she said.

By Sabina Mammadli