Ursula von der Leyen’s Visit to Turkey: Strengthening Ties Amidst Syrian Crisis
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss collaboration following the upheaval in Syria. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s strategic role and the necessity of EU-Turkey relations, while von der Leyen promised continued humanitarian support, including one billion euros in aid for Syrian refugees in Turkey in 2024. She noted that the EU has provided nearly ten billion euros since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. The discussion included Turkey’s commitment to combating terrorism in the region.