Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
347. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his contacts with the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr. Binali Yildirim, in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14513/16]
View answerWhile neither I nor other members of the Government have yet had an opportunity to meet with Binali Yildirim, who was appointed Prime Minister on 22 May, his predecessor, Ahmet Davutoðlu was present at the most recent European Council, which the Taoiseach also attended on 18 March.
Ireland regards Turkey as an important partner, both bilaterally and as a candidate country for membership of the EU. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Yildirim on his appointment and to wish him well during his tenure, which comes at a time when Turkey faces many challenges, both internally and internationally, not least in relation to the migration crisis and the implementation of the EU-Turkey deal in that regard.
Turkey is also working towards membership of the EU and we encourage them on that path, and in carrying out the reforms necessary to fulfil the conditions set out in the acquis. It will be important that Turkey meet all benchmarks and criteria for membership. We, along with our European partners, will continue our dialogue with Turkey to address shortcomings on rule of law, freedom of expression and human rights.
The challenges facing the Turkish Government were brought home to us again earlier this week with the bomb attack in Istanbul, and I would like to express my condolences to the Prime Minister and the people of Turkey on the loss of life suffered as a result of this senseless violence.
