Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
667. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with the Turkish Government in relation to recent worrying comments regarding France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33382/20]
View answerI have noted with concern recent remarks made by President Erdogan of Turkey and directed against President Macron and the French nation. Like many others, I have made clear my dismay at these remarks and have expressed my full solidarity with President Macron and the French people. My concerns have been made known through official channels to the Turkish Government.
These latest comments are unfortunately part of a wider trend of provocative acts by Turkey, which need to cease if we are to relaunch the EU-Turkey relationship. The comments are particularly disappointing as they come just a matter of weeks after the European Council on 1-2 October offered to launch a positive political EU-Turkey agenda if Turkey continued to take constructive efforts to stop illegal activities in relation to Greece and Cyprus.
Ireland would like to see a more stable and constructive relationship developed with Turkey, particularly given the importance of the EU-Turkey relationship to issues such as migration, security and the economy. This would benefit both the EU and Turkey. However, this very much depends on Turkish attitude. If we are to get beyond the current difficulties, Turkey urgently needs to actively engage in finding solutions to current tensions and refrain from negative and provocative behaviour.
