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On 14 May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius and the Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Vytautas Leškevičius met with the Undersecretary of Turkey’s Ministry for EU Affairs Haluk Ilıcak to discuss progress in the country’s accession negotiations, and assured that Lithuania’s incoming Presidency of the EU Council would further support Turkey’s European aspirations.

“Lithuania and Turkey cherish a long tradition of diplomatic cooperation, while the countries have proved to be reliable partners. We have enjoyed the smooth political cooperation between the two countries within NATO and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and we support Turkey’s European aspirations,” Linkevičius told his Turkish counterpart.

According to him, the country has reached significant progress over the last few years due to domestic political and economic reforms. This, first of all, is undoubtedly beneficial for Turkey and its people, but it also has an undeniably positive geopolitical significance. Turkey is the EU’s important political and trading partner that ensures political stability of the region.

“Lithuania actively supports the continuity of EU’s enlargement policy. We welcome recent progress in Turkey’s accession negotiations with the EU and we hope that this marks the start of a new, more active and constructive phase of the negotiations. During the period of EU Presidency, Lithuania will dedicate special attention to Turkey’s accession negotiations,” the head of the Lithuanian diplomacy said.

He added that Lithuania was ready to continue to contribute to Turkey’s preparations for EU membership and to share the experience of its European integration.

At the meeting, Linkevičius invited Turkey to sign a Readmission Agreement with the EU, laying down the terms and obligations for readmission of persons. This would enable EU and Turkey to open a dialogue on visa liberalisation and would have a positive effect on the entire process of Turkey’s accession negotiations.

The Foreign Minister also reminded Ilıcak that a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem would undoubtedly accelerate these negotiations.