Uraloğlu made a statement to members of the press at the high-level opening event of the Connectivity Agenda Platform held in Brussels. Expressing that they want to establish contacts and cooperate with European Union (EU) countries regarding the Central Corridor passing through Turkey, Uraloğlu stated that the EU should diversify its transportation corridors and develop alternatives even in normal periods other than crisis times.
Uraloğlu said, “Therefore, at this point, we see the determination and will to cooperate stronger with Türkiye. This is also valuable to us. We have been talking about this for years.” he said.
Reminding that European funds, under the leadership of the World Bank, will support the Northern Railway Crossing Project, which will pass through the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in particular, Uraloğlu said, “In the future, it will be possible to use EU loans for the works to be carried out on this corridor and connectivity. This is really valuable for us.” made his assessment.
Minister Uraloğlu stated that he met with Marta Kos, the EU Commission Member Responsible for Enlargement, within the scope of his contacts and that he will meet again during the day, and that Kos will also visit Istanbul next week.
Pointing out that he also met with Armenian Minister of Regional Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan, Uraloğlu reminded that they met with Khudatyan in Türkiye, Georgia and then in Brussels.
Uraloğlu said, “First of all, we have railway and road crossings that were active in the past. We are increasing our cooperation day by day in terms of their implementation as soon as possible. There were maintenances that needed to be done on the road and railway. We started to carry out them on our side. The Armenian side specifically stated that some preparations for this have been made, tenders have been held and the works are at the beginning stage.” he said.
Reminding that Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz signed an agreement on the restoration of the historical Ani Bridge on the Silk Road during his visit to Yerevan last month, Uraloğlu said, “The first negotiations regarding this have been held. We want to move on to the tender stage immediately by holding the second meeting. We are really talking about a project that will reveal the historical connection of the two countries.” he said.
VISA PROBLEMS
Minister Uraloğlu said, “Trade is carried out between Turkey and an EU member country or other countries, agreements are signed. Invoices are issued, payments are made. After that, these goods need to be transported. Especially at the point of transportation, including road and railway, if visas are not issued on time, customs passes are not facilitated and digital infrastructure is not created, you are essentially wasting a completed job at customs gates or due to visa procedures.” made his assessment.
Pointing out that the cargo coming from China to Europe can reach Europe in 14 days or 45 days, depending on the route, Uraloğlu said, “We really need to make this easier. If we are not going to make it easier, then why are we doing trade? No country, including the most developed countries, is now in a position to be self-sufficient. Therefore, it would be beneficial (with the EU) to issue driver visas and seafarer visas quickly, as well as to facilitate customs passage procedures.” he said.
