Turkish Minister Advocates Visa Exemption to Propel Innovation and Technology Cooperation in Europe

In an impassioned plea aimed at propelling innovation and technology cooperation in Europe to greater heights, Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Fatih Kacır has urged the European Union to exempt Turkish young researchers and entrepreneurs from visa requirements. Kacır's call for action reverberated during a press conference held alongside EU Commissioner Iliana Ivanova following the Türkiye-EU High-Level Dialogue Meeting convened in Istanbul.

At the heart of Kacır's appeal is the urgent need to dismantle artificial barriers obstructing seamless collaboration between Turkish innovators and their European counterparts. He emphasized the critical role played by Turkish researchers, engineers, and innovative enterprises in advancing technology and knowledge transfer across Europe. Kacır underscored the potential of such collaboration to fuel advancements in innovation and technology across the continent.

Central to Kacır's argument is the assertion that visa exemption for Turkish young researchers and entrepreneurs would inject fresh energy and impetus into Europe's innovation ecosystem. He highlighted the vibrancy and dynamism that these individuals bring, emphasizing their capacity to drive forward progress and competitiveness within Europe's tech sector.

In addition to advocating for visa exemptions, Kacır emphasized the necessity of revising the Customs Union framework to bolster mutual trade between Türkiye and the EU. Against the backdrop of evolving global trade dynamics and challenges, he stressed the importance of recalibrating trade relations to align with shared benefits and facilitate smoother commerce between the two entities.

Asserting Türkiye's unwavering commitment to attaining full membership in the EU, Kacır reiterated the country's dedication to fostering mutual progress and shared prosperity through scientific and technological collaboration. He underscored the importance of harmonizing efforts between Türkiye and the EU to realize these shared aspirations.

Meanwhile, Türkiye has been actively engaging in discussions with EU authorities regarding visa facilitation. Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay confirmed ongoing talks aimed at streamlining the Schengen visa application process for various groups, including students, artists, media professionals, academics, and businesspeople.

Further emphasizing the significance of Türkiye-EU relations, Nikolas Meyer-Landrut, Head of the European Union delegation to Türkiye, highlighted the substantial issuance of Schengen visas to Turkish citizens in 2023, signaling robust economic ties between the two entities. Meyer-Landrut emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation and collaboration in various spheres, including trade, technology, and innovation.

Recent developments include the Romanian government's approval to commence talks with Türkiye for a new visa agreement based on the Schengen acquis. This move underscores efforts to facilitate travel and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

Initial agreements on citizen travel between Romania and Türkiye were signed in 2004 and subsequently amended in 2007. However, a partial termination in 2003 prompted renewed efforts to negotiate a comprehensive visa agreement conducive to fostering closer ties and facilitating greater people-to-people exchanges.

By fLEXI tEAM