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Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner co-chaired the third Türkiye-EU High-Level Migration and Security Dialogue Meeting in Istanbul.
According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, the meeting emphasized Türkiye's readiness to cooperate with the EU on migration and security issues based on common interests, highlighting the country's status as an EU candidate nation.
Turkish officials raised concerns about problems Turkish citizens face during Schengen visa applications and evaluation processes.
The meeting addressed expectations for rules and practices that would ensure fair and swift evaluation of visa applications.
Participants also discussed the visa liberalization process, with Turkish officials stating that there is no need to wait for the full liberalization process that would require political will from the EU to correct existing deficiencies and errors in current practices.
Both sides agreed that Syria's prosperity and stability serve the interests of the region, Türkiye, and the EU.
The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between Türkiye and the EU in helping Syria overcome terrorism and instability and in facilitating voluntary, safe, and dignified returns of Syrians to their country.
The dialogue also covered cross-border organized crime, migrant smuggling, and counterterrorism efforts.
Minister Yerlikaya made the following statement during the meeting: "In all phases of our fight against irregular migration, including the border security measures we take and the rescue of irregular migrants from the sea, we act in accordance with international law, human rights, neighborly rights and law, and our civilization values."
"With the determined struggle under the leadership of our president, we have removed Türkiye from being a target and transit country for irregular migration," he added.
"I want to emphasize that we are waging this struggle primarily for our country and our citizens. With the fall of the Assad regime, we observe a positive increase in the voluntary, safe, dignified, and orderly return of Syrians to their country," the Turkish Interior Minister concluded.
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