Juncker: EU to hold "frank and open debate" with Turkey

BRUSSELS, March 26 (KUNA) -- Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov will be meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Council Donald Tusk, along with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for a working dinner to discuss EU's ties with Ankara.
According to a European Commission press release Monday, the main points of discussion will be cooperation in energy, security, the fight against terrorism and migration management, in addition to EU aid for refugees in Turkey. The visa liberalisation process and the inextricably linked domestic political situation and security matters in Turkey will also feature high on the agenda, it noted.
Meanwhile, energy cooperation will also be a focal point of discussion, where EU leaders will once again stress that unity within the bloc is key for enhanced energy security. Earlier this month, two years after the launch of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey, the European Commission said it has proposed to mobilise the second 3 billion euro (USD 3 .7 billion) tranche after the first part of the Facility was fully committed and contracted by the end of 2017.
Finally, counterterrorism actions and cooperation will also be part of this evening's dialogue.
Ahead of the summit, Juncker commented that "the differences in views between the EU and Turkey are many. It will be a frank and open debate where we will not hide our differences but will seek to improve our cooperation".
Observers noted that the press release made no mention if Syria will be discussed during the summit.(end) nk.nam