Good
evening. Let me first of all thank Prime Minister Davutoglu for the invitation
to Gaziantep today. We last met in Brussels on 18 March, when we concluded an
ambitious agreement between the European Union and Turkey with an aim to stem
irregular migration and to create a legal avenue for refugees to seek and
obtain asylum in Europe. Our visit here today is part of the follow-up to that
agreement.
Combined with other actions we have taken together with the
Western Balkans countries, in Greece and by stepping up our support to refugees
in third countries, we are starting to see results.
Since the March
agreement we have seen a sharp reduction of the illegal migration flows across
the Aegean. Our return operations are working in tandem with resettlements of
Syrian nationals from Turkey to EU Member States, demonstrating the desired
shift from illegal to legal migration.
This is a big and complex
undertaking and much work still lies ahead of us. Our visit here today gives us
the opportunity to discuss with Prime Minister Davutoglu the further
implementation and next steps.
Today I also had another opportunity to
assess the situation with regard to the Syrian refugees in Turkey. After
visiting a refugee camp in Nizip, I was pleased also to participate in the
inauguration of a child protection centre in Gaziantep on the occasion of the
National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Turkey. A number of other projects
are currently being launched through the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey.
Programming under the Facility has been accelerated.
Beyond our
cooperation on the migration crisis, we will take stock of our revitalised
bilateral relations. It also includes an accelerated roadmap for visa
liberalisation. The way I see it, Turkey has made good progress ahead of
decisions to be taken this summer, provided that Turkey meets all the agreed
benchmarks.
One of the most crucial subjects of our discussion will be
the conflict in Syria and the need for political talks to get back on track.
Recent attacks on civilians and the prevention of humanitarian access are
cynical attempts to derail the only real chance to stop the bloodshed.
Today Turkey is the best example in the entire world of how to treat
refugees. I am proud that we are partners. There is no other way.
Let me
conclude, Prime Minister Davutoglu, Ahmet, by thanking you once again for your
invitation.
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