Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed Türkiye-EU relations and rising Middle East tensions during a phone call on Tuesday.
The two leaders also discussed mounting regional tensions, as instability across the Middle East continues to threaten shipping, energy routes and global supply chains.
According to Turkish officials, Erdogan told von der Leyen that Ankara was working to preserve a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the U.S.
He also said that the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy chokepoint, should be reopened as quickly as possible.
Accounting for roughly one-fifth of the global oil supply, the strait has remained a flashpoint for tensions since Israel and the U.S. launched a surprise attack on Iran in late February.
During Tuesday’s call, Erdogan also said that persistent regional tensions had once again demonstrated the strategic importance of Türkiye-EU relations.
Von der Leyen, for her part, agreed, noting that both sides wanted to keep shipping routes open to ensure energy flows and maintain global supply chains.
In subsequent remarks, von der Leyen described the exchange as “highly productive”, calling Türkiye “a key partner in a turbulent region”.
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Türkiye occupies a critical transit position, particularly for gas pipelines and overland cargo routes.
Tuesday’s phone call also touched on the sensitive issue of Cyprus.
Brussels has recently signalled its readiness to support U.N.-led efforts aimed at reviving long-stalled talks between Athens and Ankara regarding the divided island.
In his conversation with von der Leyen, Erdogan also urged Brussels to broaden the scope of the Türkiye-EU Customs Union, which is currently limited to industrial goods and processed agricultural products.
Ankara has long called for the resumption of talks aimed at updating the terms of the customs union, although concrete steps in this regard have yet to be taken.
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