ANKARA: Top officials of the European Union (EU) expressed willingness to work on a concrete agenda with Turkey to accelerate economy and migration cooperation between the two sides.
"The European Union is ready to present a concrete agenda to strengthen cooperation on economy and migration, and inter-societal ties," Michel said at a press conference.
The remarks came subsequent on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, as per reports.
"The rule of law and respect for fundamental rights are core values of the EU, and we shared with President Erdogan our deep worries on the latest developments of Turkey in this respect," he added.
The EU expects Turkey to respect the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which has ruled for the release of jailed businessman Osman Kavala and former co-chair of pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas, von der Leyen said. She further elaborated the areas where Ankara and Brussels can improve ties.
Climate change and public health will also be important topics in high-level dialogue, and thirdly, the EU wants to support Erasmus programs with Turkey for more mobility among people, she added.
According to the deal, Turkey promised to prevent migrants and refugees from crossing to Europe in exchange for aid and other political conditions.
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