Türkiye key to EU, says Czech envoy

ANKARA

Türkiye is a "very important" country for the European Union, said Petr Stepanek, the Czech Republic's ambassador, affirming his nation’s support for Ankara’s EU membership process.

"Türkiye is a very important country for the EU. There are a few problems, but they need to be solved, and we are working to solve them," Stepanek told Anadolu.

Highlighting the growing economic ties, Stepanek noted that bilateral trade between Türkiye and the Czech Republic surpassed $5 billion last year. He expressed optimism that this figure could approach $7 billion by the end of 2024.

Pointing to ongoing student exchanges between the two nations, he called for stronger collaboration in the field of technology.

- Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza

Addressing comments made by Czech President Petr Pavel, who urged Ukraine to be "realistic" in its war goals, Stepanek said that Kyiv is unlikely to regain territories occupied by Russia in the near future.

He emphasized the importance of respecting international law and maintaining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, adding that he was closely monitoring the situation.

On developments in Gaza, Stepanek said “there should be a two-state solution. There should be a solution within the framework of the United Nations resolutions. This is our principle.”

"We are not happy with this war. No one is happy. It is a great danger for the whole region," he added.

*Writing by Serdar Dincel