"It is good achievement of both negotiating sides and we should exploit the political momentum that it has created. It is good time to restart the talks on other chapters. As the Presidency of the EU Council, Lithuania is working hard for achieving the best possible result in Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU," said Minister Linkevičius.
Lithuanian Presidency's committment to enlargement was commended by Minister Bağış.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister said that the recent developments in Turkey showed that it is important to start negotiations on other chapters, including on judiciary and fundamental rights as well as Justice, freedom and security, while maintaining the principle of consensus. He also underlined the importance of a broader cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs.
"Lithuanian Presidency attaches great importance to the EU–Turkey readmission agreement and looks forward to Turkey signing this agreement as soon as possible, in parallel with the initiation of the dialogue on visa liberalisation and the broader dialogue and cooperation framework on Justice and Home Affairs," Minister Linkevičius said.
After the bilateral meeting, Minister Linkevičius chaired the Tenth Intergovernmental Accession Conference, where a new chapter on Regional policy and coordination of structural instruments was opened in Turkey's EU accession negotiations after a pause of more than 3 years. It covers one of the core EU policies, supporting job creation, competitiveness, innovation, economic growth, improved quality of life and sustainable development.
