Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a meeting with European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen that it is necessary to “strengthen institutional relations between Turkey and the EU,” Euronews writes.

The Turkish president noted that the sides can “promote cooperation according to a win-win formula.”

In talks with von der Leyen, Erdogan called on EU leaders, who will meet on Thursday for a one-day summit, to lift “all restrictions” in bilateral relations, resume high-level political dialog (suspended since 2019) and expand the customs union agreement (being drafted since 2016).

“Our common interests should not depend on the restrictive programs of some members,” Erdogan said, probably referring to Greece and Cyprus, countries with which Turkey has historically had tense relations.

Observers note that Ankara is in a strong position today. It is the main supporter of the Syrian National Army, the opposition group that was involved in toppling the Assad regime. Several high-ranking guests have visited Turkey in recent days, among them, in addition to von der Leyen - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

Turkey has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999, after many ups and downs, its membership application was suspended in 2018. As explained in Brussels - because of the ongoing backlash against democracy.