EU-Turkey: Common Interest to End Conflict in Syria, Cooperate on Refugee Crisis

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič concluded their 2-day visit to Ankara on Wednesday, where they discussed with Turkish partners the situation in northwest Syria and refugee flows to and from Turkey.

In their meetings, the High Representative/Vice-President and the Commissioner exchanged views with their Turkish counterparts on the humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib.

The High Representative declared readiness of the EU to consider working with Turkey on an approach that would offer a joint political way forward: “We have a common interest and that is to end the conflict in Syria. Only in this way will we be able to bring to an end the suffering of the civilian population and contribute to addressing the most significant challenges Turkey is currently facing. Increased pressure at the EU-Turkey border and unilateral actions will not provide answers.” Josep Borrell said.

Commissioner Janez Lenarčič reiterated the EU's position as the biggest donor in the context of the Syrian refugees crisis and recalled the EU's solidarity with Syrians affected by the 9-year war as well as with the countries hosting the Syrian refugees. The EU, therefore, announced today €170 million in humanitarian aid to continue assisting the most vulnerable people in Syria, including €60 million to address the humanitarian crisis in northwest Syria.

Source: euneighbours.org 

Photo: EU Neighbours