Conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Elysée Palace, 22 Sept. 20)

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The President of the French Republic had a telephone conversation of more than an hour with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, regarding the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean region, in Libya and Syria.

The President welcomed the start of exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey on their disputes. He wanted this dialogue to be conducted in good faith, with a view to de-escalation and a lasting easing of tensions. He called for similar dialogue in the same spirit to be agreed to by Turkey with the Republic of Cyprus.

The Head of State reiterated his constant readiness to engage in dialogue and his interest in a solid relationship between the European Union and Turkey, on a clear basis that is respectful of everyone’s interests.

In this regard, he called on Turkey to fully respect the sovereignty of the European Union Member States, to fully comply with international law, to refrain from any fresh unilateral action that could provoke tensions, and to commit unambiguously to building a space of peace and cooperation in the Mediterranean. He also called on Turkey to fully respect the arms embargo in Libya within the framework defined by the United Nations, as well as the security interests of its allies in Syria.

The two Heads of State decided to continue to hold regular dialogue on these issues at their level and at ministerial level.