Eurasia Press & News
Efforts on the launch of visa-free travel for Turkish citizens to European countries may yield positive results before the end of this year, said European Union Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan Füle on Friday.
After the opening of Chapter 22, which concerns regional policy and the coordination of structural instruments this week, Füle visited Turkey to discuss with Turkish officials the country’s EU accession process, democratic reforms, fundamental rights, judiciary and the role of civil society and gave positive signals about eliminating visa requirements for Turkish nationals.
“Another positive impulse in our relations will be the signature of the EU-Turkey readmission agreement and simultaneous launch of visa dialogue, I hope before the end of this year. This will bring tangible results that will benefit Turkish citizens. I hope that in a couple of weeks we can get the results of our concentrated efforts in this direction [visa-free travel],” said Füle in his Friday remarks.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Füle on Friday, Foregin Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, in agreement with Füle, said both sides have a positive attitude regarding visa-free travel to EU countries and final steps may be taken on the issue in coming weeks. He said Turkey and the EU reached a consensus on accelerating the handling of issues such as visa-free travel to EU for Turkish citizens and the readmission agreement.
