President of the European Parliament (EP) Martin Schulz paid an official visit to Turkey on 8-9 April 2015. During his visit, Schulz met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır and Turkish Grand National Assembly Spokesperson Cemil Çiçek. The latest developments in the Middle East, Syrian refugees, Turkey’s reform process, visa liberalisation, Cyprus talks were among the main topics discussed during these meetings.

Before his visit to Turkey, Schulz reminded that beyond Turkey’s role as a key strategic, political and economic partner of the EU, it is a candidate country which aims to join the EU. Schulz pointed out to the importance of ensuring a continuous dialogue between decision makers, parliamentarians and civil society organisations of Turkey and the EU.

During the meeting held between EP President Schulz and Minister Çavuşoğlu, the latest developments in regard to Turkey-EU relations, Cyprus talks, ongoing TTIP negotiations between the EU and the USA were assessed. Minister Çavuşoğlu highlighted the significance of opening new chapters to negotiations and the progress in visa liberalisation dialogue which will give an impetus to Turkey’s reforms for EU accession process. Similar message was also given by Minister Bozkır in his meeting with EP President Schulz. The possibility of opening Chapter 17 on Economic and Monetary Policy to negotiations was also discussed in these meetings.

On the second day of his visit, EP President Schulz visited Öncüpınar refugee camps located in the south eastern province of Kilis. EP President Schulz praised Turkey for hosting Syrian refugees and underlined the importance of Turkey’s continuous aids in the region and need for improving infrastructure of the refugee camps.