Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has underscored the importance of EU steps to update the Customs Union and advance visa liberalisation, saying "it would serve the interests of all."
During a joint news conference with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in the Turkish capital Ankara on Monday, Erdogan noted that Türkiye and Austria have significant cooperation potential in green energy, critical minerals, high technology, transport, and the defence industry.
"Together with Austria, we can implement strategic cooperation to strengthen the Middle Corridor," Erdogan added.
On his part, Stocker praised the efforts of Türkiye and President Erdogan to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
“We appreciate Türkiye and your personal efforts on this matter,” he said.
The chancellor also highlighted Ankara's influence in the Middle East. “Looking at the Middle East, we see that Türkiye’s voice carries weight,” he said.
Earlier, Erdogan met Stocker at the presidential complex in the capital Ankara following an official welcoming ceremony.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran, the president's chief advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic, and other officials were present at the ceremony.
Stocker is paying an official visit to Türkiye at the invitation of President Erdogan.
Türkiye-EU relations
Multidimensional bilateral relations, steps to further develop existing cooperation, as well as regional and global issues were discussed in the meeting.
Relations between Türkiye and Austria have recently shown signs of renewed engagement, with both sides seeking closer cooperation on trade, migration, and security.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Vienna in April, where he met his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger as well as Stocker, highlighting efforts to strengthen bilateral ties while also discussing Türkiye-EU relations and regional conflicts.
Economic links remain a major pillar of the relationship.
Bilateral trade reached about $4.36 billion in 2025, up from $3.91 billion in 2024, according to Türkiye’s foreign ministry. Austrian government figures put 2025 trade at about $4.97 billion.
Austria is a significant investor in Türkiye, and the relationship is also shaped by a large Turkish community in Austria and substantial tourism ties.
More than 563,000 Austrian tourists visited Türkiye in 2025, while Austrian investment in Türkiye between 2005 and 2025 exceeded $11.2 billion.
