The German government is offering an "accelerated visa process". "In return, we expect the swifter introduction of the readmission agreement. We could now manage a close matching of speeds between visa liberalisation or visa waiver and this readmission agreement for citizens of third countries," said Chancellor Angela Merkel following her meeting with President Erdoğan in Istanbul.

A German-Turkish working group is to meet soon and discuss the options for bilateral visa facilitation, reported the Chancellor.

Aiming to better share burdens

"Another very important matter is obviously refugees and the influx of refugees into Turkey and to the West. With respect to refugees, we addressed the question of sharing burdens," stressed President Erdoğan.

"In this context the Chancellor said that Turkey must receive assistance when it comes to sharing burdens, because Turkey has accepted a huge burden."

Over and above this, Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "We can support the bigger picture, with a bilateral agenda between Germany and Turkey and through talks that are to be continued over the next few days, thus achieving improved legality and better sharing the burden posed by the refugee situation. This process has now been launched; it must be carried forward in many smaller steps."

More talks regarding EU accession

With a view to Turkey’s accession process to the European Union, Angela Merkel reaffirmed the principle "pacta sunt servanda", and offered to discuss further details with the Turkish government.

The possibility of Turkey becoming involved in European Council meetings too was discussed. "We must find a sound process for involving accession candidates again in this work," stressed Angela Merkel.

Resolving the Syrian conflict

"We have noted that the fight against terrorism, and in particular the question of finding a political solution to the Syrian conflict are interests that are most intensively shared by the two countries. That is why in future too we will maintain close contacts on these matters," said Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Outcomes of the European Council meeting discussed

The Chancellor also spoke about the outcome of the European Council meeting with President Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.

On Friday 16 October, the EU heads of state and government agreed on the basic principles of a cooperation arrangement with Turkey regarding how to deal with refugees. After the meeting, the Chancellor explained that Turkey was to accept commitments regarding the treatment of refugees. In return the EU was ready to share the burden with Turkey. Turkey had pledged to improve the status of refugees in Turkey. One example given by Angela Merkel was social services for refugees in the health sector.

Strategic dialogue 2016

For next January the Chancellor announced a strategic dialogue at prime minister level between Turkey and Germany. "To demonstrate that bilateral relations are once again being stepped up at such a difficult time as the present."