Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for greater progress between Türkiye and the European Union on trade and visa arrangements. Speaking during a joint news conference with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Ankara, Erdogan said updating the Customs Union and advancing visa liberalisation would benefit all sides.
He also highlighted growing cooperation opportunities between Türkiye and Austria. These areas include green energy, critical minerals, high technology, transport and defence.
Erdogan Urges Progress on EU Relations
Erdogan stressed the importance of EU action to modernise the Customs Union with Türkiye.
He also called for progress on visa liberalisation, describing both issues as important areas for future cooperation.
“it would serve the interests of all.”
The Turkish president also discussed the potential for deeper strategic cooperation with Austria.
“Together with Austria, we can implement strategic cooperation to strengthen the Middle Corridor,” Erdogan added.
The Middle Corridor is an important trade route connecting Asia and Europe through Türkiye. Ankara has increasingly promoted the route as a way to strengthen regional trade and transport links.
Austria Praises Türkiye’s Diplomatic Role
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker praised Türkiye’s efforts to help end the Russia-Ukraine war.
“We appreciate Türkiye and your personal efforts on this matter,” he said.
Stocker also highlighted Türkiye’s influence across the Middle East.
“Looking at the Middle East, we see that Türkiye’s voice carries weight,” he said.
His comments reflect Austria’s recognition of Ankara’s diplomatic role in several regional conflicts.
Stocker arrived in Türkiye for an official visit at Erdogan’s invitation. Earlier, the two leaders met at the presidential complex in Ankara following an official welcoming ceremony.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and other senior officials attended the ceremony.
Türkiye and Austria Seek Stronger Cooperation
The two countries discussed bilateral relations and ways to expand existing cooperation.
Their talks also covered regional and global developments. Trade, migration and security remain important areas of their relationship.
Relations between Ankara and Vienna have recently shown signs of renewed engagement. Both sides have expressed interest in strengthening economic and political ties.
Fidan visited Vienna in April and met Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Stocker.
The meetings focused on bilateral relations, Türkiye-EU ties and regional conflicts.
Trade Remains Key Part of Relationship
Economic cooperation remains an important part of Türkiye-Austria relations.
Bilateral trade reached around $4.36 billion in 2025, compared with $3.91 billion in 2024, according to Türkiye’s foreign ministry.
Austrian government figures placed the value of bilateral trade at around $4.97 billion in 2025.
Austria also remains an important investor in Türkiye. Austrian investment in the country exceeded $11.2 billion between 2005 and 2025.
Tourism provides another important link between the two countries. More than 563,000 Austrian tourists visited Türkiye in 2025.
Türkiye Seeks Wider Economic Partnerships
Erdogan’s comments underline Ankara’s broader push to strengthen economic partnerships with European countries. Cooperation in green energy and critical minerals could become increasingly important as countries seek secure and diversified supply chains. Technology and transport also offer opportunities for deeper investment. Meanwhile, defence cooperation could add another dimension to the bilateral relationship.
The Middle Corridor remains particularly significant for Türkiye’s regional economic ambitions. Stronger cooperation with Austria could help Ankara promote the route as an important connection between European and Asian markets.
The latest meeting therefore reflects more than routine diplomatic engagement. It highlights Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen its European economic links while maintaining an active role in regional diplomacy.
As Ankara continues pressing for progress on the Customs Union and visa liberalisation, stronger cooperation with Austria could provide another avenue for expanding Türkiye’s ties with Europe.
