Dutch Prime Minister Rutte is in Turkey for the support of the NATO General Secretariat

President Erdoğan spoke at a joint press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Erdoğan’s statements are as follows: It is important to start the updates regarding the Customs Union with the EU as soon as possible. We expect the support of the Netherlands in considering the EU’s relations with Türkiye in an equitable and strategic perspective.

TARGET IN TRADE IS 20 BILLION DOLLARS

Our bilateral trade reached 13 billion dollars last year. We aim to increase this figure to 15 billion dollars in the first stage and then to 20 billion dollars. Our entrepreneurs employ approximately 80 thousand people in the Netherlands with their investments worth 6 billion euros.

We also exchanged ideas on issues such as Gaza and Ukraine. It is of great importance to stop the massacre in Gaza and establish an immediate ceasefire. More pressure needs to be put on the Israeli administration. The fight against terrorism was one of our most important topics. The heavy price paid by Turkey is obvious. I stated that no terrorist organization should be tolerated.

ELECTION OF NATO SECRETARY GENERAL

No one should have any doubt that we will make our decision within the framework of strategic wisdom and equity. We shared with Mr. Rutte, who is a candidate for this position, what kind of characteristics we would like to see in the new NATO Secretary General.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte

Türkiye is an important actor. Mr. President Erdoğan and his friends are a very respected team. Türkiye is a country in a difficult region with difficult neighbors. Unfortunately, it is a country with terrorism on its agenda. Türkiye is also the country with the 2nd strongest army in NATO and is a very important power for NATO. You said that these should be on the agenda of the new NATO Secretary General. NATO’s southern flank needs Turkey. Thank you for your friendship over the years.