国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Turkey, EU to talk for mending ties_时事

国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Turkey, EU to talk for mending ties

Turkey does not expect smooth ties with the EU on every issue, but wants progress that two sides can cooperate in mutual interests, according to Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"It will be too much optimistic that one says we can normalize all issues with regards to relations with the EU. But, there are issues that we can take joint steps," Cavusoglu told Anadolu Agency on Thursday.

In this context, he touched upon the issues of visa liberalization and upgrading customs union agreement with the bloc.

"We are proceeding on the visa liberalization process. We have given our proposals. The issue may come up during the summit," he said referring to the Varna meeting.

Cavusoglu also elaborated requirements of a March 2016 deal with the EU to curb refugee influx into Europe.

Following refugee flow to Europe, the bloc's leaders signed a deal with Ankara promising to give 6 billion euros for helping Syrian refugees in Turkey, in return for sending back migrants crossing from the Aegean Sea into Europe.

The bloc promised to restart Turkey's EU membership talks and allow visa-free travel for Turkish citizens, a promise stipulated Turkey to meet 72 conditions necessary for this.

Turkey promised to make changes in the wording of definition of terrorism in the counterterrorism law following repeated calls by the EU for complying with European democratic and judicial standards.