Shimschek: There is interest in investment from the Gulf countries (Getty Images)
Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek said Thursday that Ankara wants to reconnect the country strongly to the European Union.
In a post on the X website, Şimşek welcomed the European Commission's report on Wednesday on "the state of political, economic and trade relations between the EU and Turkey."
He explained that the measures proposed by the Commission and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell are encouraging and indicate positive developments, according to Anadolu Agency.
The Turkish minister stated that among the measures are the resumption of the EU-Turkey High-Level Dialogue on Economy, Energy and Transport, the continuation of Association Council meetings and the High-level Political Dialogue at the ministerial level, and the revival of talks on the draft negotiating framework for the modernization of the Customs Union.
These measures also include calling on the European Investment Bank to resume its activities in all sectors in Turkey, and easing visa restrictions for Turkish businessmen, students, Turkish citizens and their family members in the European Union.
Minister Şimşek stressed that Ankara and the EU are becoming stronger with each other, saying: "We want to firmly reconnect Turkey to the EU.
Regarding the Turkish economy, Şimşek said earlier on Thursday that the data released today showed the Turkish economy grew by 5.9% in the third quarter - a higher rate than expected - is encouraging, but this growth will slow in the coming period.
"What is important here is to increase the quality of growth," he said, noting that directing resources to effective areas and increasing efficiency will be key drivers of growth.
Capital inflows are boosting and are expected to increase from the second half of 2024 onwards, he said, noting that there is interest in investment from Gulf countries.
Source: Reuters + Anadolu Agency