The "Panel on Türkiye-France Relations: Opportunities and Challenges ", organized by the Directorate of Communications, began in Ankara.
The future of Turkish-European Union (EU) relations on the axis of Turkish and French foreign policy was discussed in the panel's first session.
Saadet Oruç, the Chief Advisor to the President, who spoke at the panel, stated that Türkiye-France relations are among the best examples demonstrating that there are interests, not permanent friendships and enmities, in relations between countries.
Stating the fact that the rise of the far right in France has coincided with Türkiye’s divergence from the EU and that Europe as a whole has been experiencing a sociologically troublesome period, Oruç stated that Türkiye’s membership in the European Union could be a solution to the sociological situation in Europe.
Oruç emphasized the significance of diplomacy in resolving the issues between the two countries.
"The ancient teachings of Anatolia should be blended with European values"
İstanbul Medeniyet University Faculty Member Prof. Özden Zeynep Oktav, on the other hand, indicated that in the 17-year negotiations with the European Union that began in 2005, no progress was made and that criteria that were not imposed on any candidate country were asked from Türkiye.
Pointing out that the European Union mechanism has become "clumsy", Oktav stated that the values of Europe and the ancient wisdom teachings of Anatolia should be blended.
Herve Magro, France's ambassador to Ankara, participated in the panel as a speaker and offered his perspective on Türkiye-France relations.
The "Panel on Türkiye-France Relations: Opportunities and Challenges " will continue with sessions titled "How Can Stability Be Ensured in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean?" and "Regional Challenges and Opportunities in Turkish and French Foreign Policy".