INTERVIEW
By L JUBICA GOJGIĆ ▪ Photo By ZORAN PETROVIĆ
Migrant Crisis NOT OVER YET
EXCLUSIVE
H.E.TANJU BILGIÇ AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY TO SERBIA
Over the last nine months, Turkish efforts have generated a deterrent effect on attempts by around 850,000 illegal migrants to reach the EU. While we are committed to stemming irregular crossings in the Aegean, the EU has made promises on a wide range of issues, such as visa liberalisation, financial assistance for Syrians in Turkey, the launch of a resettlement programme and Customs Union, and accession negotiations. However, an important part of the EU’s commitments still awaits action
W
e expect the EU to deliver on its promises. Turkey cannot continue on its own to stabilise irregular migration towards the EU if the EU is reluctant to comply with the agreement - H.E. Tanju Bilgiç, Ambassador of Turkey.
■ Your Excellency, you are here in Serbia with the reputation of a good observer of conditions in the region. How do you assess present relations, and are you concerned about occasional friction between Belgrade, Sarajevo and Zagreb? - The political stability and economic welfare of the Balkans is Turkey’s main priority. We would like all countries in the region to have good neighbourly relations. When it comes to occasional friction between Belgrade, Sarajevo and Zagreb, it is normal for neighbouring countries to have open issues or differences of opinion from time to time. As long as there is political goodwill and determination to solve these issues through cooperation 18 |
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and dialogue, it is not difficult to overcome these problems. Within this context, we appreciate Serbia’s efforts towards improving relations with all of its neighbours.
■ Turkey took over the presidency of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation (BSEC) from Serbia in December. How important is cooperation in this region, and what will be the priorities of your presidency? - First of all, I wish to congratulate Serbia for its successful Chairmanshipin-Office of the BSEC, during the second half of 2016. In line with the importance Turkey attaches to sustainable development goals, we have set our priorities on intensifying cooperation in a number of sectors, such as trade, investment, agriculture and agro-industry, strengthening the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in the economy, green and sustainable energy, education and tourism.