H.E. Sebastian Kurz, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Europe and Integration of the Republic of Austria paid a working visit to Turkey on 18-19 September 2015.

Two Foreign Ministers held a joint press conference following the inter-delegation meeting. Speaking at the joint press conference, Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu said that during the meeting views were exchanged on bilateral relations and issues of common concern for both countries such as irregular migration, refugee crisis and its root causes.

Noting that the Republic of Austria came first among the countries that were affected by the recent refugee crisis, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu stated that Turkey hosted 2.2 million refugees and spent 7.6 billion US Dollars for Syrians living in the temporary protection centers. Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu also said that to cope with the problem, its root causes should be addressed and cooperation on taking the necessary political steps for their eradication should be in place. Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu underlined that Turkey would continue to work closely with the EU, the US and the Republic of Austria in the upcoming period.

Reminding the fact that more than 53,000 refugees were saved from drowning this year while trying to cross to Europe via the sea, Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu said that Turkey would continue to take security measures but those measures alone would not resolve the issue. Foreign Minister Sinirlioğlu also said that Turkey took all the steps in line with international law and that necessary measures were taken to protect refugees from human traffickers’.

Speaking at the joint press conference, Sebastian Kurz, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Europe and Integration stressed the need to put an end to the violence in Syria and to successfully tackle the terror threat posed by DEASH. Foreign Minister Kurz also underlined the need for all the regional actors to come to the negotiation table immediately and extended his appreciation for Turkey’s efforts in this direction.

Foreign Minister Kurz also said that Syrian refugees should stay in Syria rather than leave for Europe and added his support to creating a safe zone. Stating that Turkey was the country that supported refugees most in the region by accepting more than 2 million refugees, Foreign Minister Kurz extended his thanks to Turkey for its support to refugees.

Touching on the importance of cooperation between Turkey and the Republic of Austria on combating against human trafficking, providing border security and regularly registrating refugees, Foreign Minister Kurz also expressed his appreciation towards the steps taken to increase police cooperation between the two countries.