"Lithuania and Turkey share long traditions of diplomatic cooperation and are tested and reliable partners. We are satisfied with the smooth political cooperation in NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, we also support Turkey's Euro-integration objectives," Linkevičius said.
In the Lithuanian minister's words, the significant progress made in Turkey's domestic political and economic reforms over the past few years first of all benefits Turkey and its people, as well as geopolitical processes.
"Lithuania actively supports the continuity of EU's expansion policies. We commend the significant recent changes in Turkey's EU membership talks and hope that this marks the start of a new more active and constructive phase in the negotiations. We will place a special focus on the talks with Turkey during the Lithuanian EU Council presidency," he said.
Linkevičius adds that Lithuania is ready to continue contributing to Turkey's preparations for EU membership by sharing its expert experience.
During the meeting, the minister invited Turkey to sign a readmission agreement with the EU, which would envisage procedures and commitments on return of persons. This would allow starting a dialogue on liberalization of the EU-Turkey visa regime and have a positive effect on the process of Turkey's EU talks.
Linkevičius also reminded to Ilicak that peaceful and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus issue would definitely accelerate the talks.
