Slovakian PM lends support to Turkey's EU bid

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico yesterday arrived in Ankara for a one-day official visit at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Speaking at a joint press conference after meeting with Erdogan, Fico reiterated his country's support for Turkey's European Union accession bid, adding that all candidates which meet the membership criteria should be admitted. Dismissing claims that the enlargement process is harming the EU, Fico said on the contrary expansion will benefit the 27-member bloc. Fico said the EU must understand Turkey's key role in energy security, arguing that the energy chapter of Turkey's EU talks should be opened. Inviting Erdogan to visit Slovakia, Fico said ties between the two countries should focus on the economy and energy. On the renewal of an agreement between the two countries on reciprocal protection and encouragement of investments, he said his country welcomes foreign investments, including ones from Turkey. Pointing to a Slovakian business delegation accompanying him, Fico said he hoped their talks with Turkish business circles would help improve trade ties between the two countries. Fico also welcomed Erdogan's call to ease visa requirements between Turkey and Slovakia, pledging to do his best to this end. For his part, Erdogan thanked the Slovakian government for supporting Turkey's EU bid. "They never abandoned in our EU process. I believe Slovakia's support will continue," he said. Erdogan said that President Abdullah Gul, who also met with Fico earlier in the day, is expected to pay an official visit to Slovakia next month, adding that he wants to visit there himself with a large business delegation just after Gul. He said such visits could help spur trade between the two countries, which last year totaled nearly $1 billion. Erdogan also asked Fico to support easing visa requirements, adding that this would boost tourist traffic between the two countries.