Italian Delegation Ready for Cooperation with Turkey, Waiting for French Response
The Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s National Defense Commission, Hulusi Akar, met with the Chairman of the Italian Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Commission, Gabriella Anastasia Craxi, and her parliamentary delegation. Craxi stated that the Italian Defense System is not hesitant to share its information, to which Akar responded that their partners are not accepting it. Craxi then mentioned, “We have said ‘Yes’ to everyone, we are waiting for the French. It is not easy to reach an agreement between a Northern European country and a Mediterranean country.”
During the meeting at the Parliament, Hulusi Akar emphasized the constructive and friendly relations between Turkey and Italy, highlighting their significant role in contributing to the stability of the Mediterranean region. He spoke about the warm and constructive relationships he has with Italian officials, including former Italian Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini. Akar expressed, “We have been able to solve many issues. You are aware of our efforts regarding Libya and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. These are problems that we have resolved through extremely peaceful means and methods. Our activities, exercises, operations within NATO, as well as mutual exchanges of views, have been very sincere and constructive. I believe that our plans, programs, and efforts with Lorenzo and later with Crosetto, have provided important contributions to both our countries, NATO, and the entire Mediterranean region.”
Akar also mentioned that Turkey collaborates with Italy in political, diplomatic, logistical, and defense industry matters, expressing a desire to continue and enhance this cooperation. Craxi emphasized that the bonds between Turkey and Italy are nourished by the connections between the Turkish and Italian people. She stated, “Today we have many common issues. Firstly, it is important for the stability of the Mediterranean. We appreciate Turkey’s mediation role. We support peace initiatives, we find them extremely important. Stability in the Balkans is also important for us.”
Craxi highlighted that defense and security issues are at the top of the agenda for both countries, stating, “We have cooperation in this regard. The Italian Defense System is not hesitant to share its information. We like to accept sharing and being accepted.” In response, Akar reiterated that their partners are not accepting this sharing. Craxi then mentioned, “We have said ‘Yes’ to everyone, we are waiting for the French. We are one of the founding countries of the EU, but we also struggle to reach agreements with some allies. Believe me, it is not easy for a Northern European country to reach an agreement with a Mediterranean country.”
In conclusion, the meeting between the Turkish and Italian delegations highlighted the importance of cooperation in defense and security matters and the shared commitment to regional stability. While both sides expressed readiness for collaboration, the awaited response from the French delegation remains a crucial factor in the ongoing discussions. The meeting served as a platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, emphasizing the significance of diplomatic efforts in addressing complex regional challenges. The future direction of the partnership between Turkey, Italy, and other European allies will continue to evolve as they navigate the intricacies of international relations and security cooperation.
