29 November 2015•Update: 29 November 2015
BRUSSELS
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said Sunday’s meeting with EU heads of government will “re-energize” the future of his country as a member of the European Union.
"[Today is] very historic to re-energize our accession process as well as to discuss latest developments in Europe," Davutoglu told reporters in Brussels before the summit.
"Today we will be sharing the destiny of our continent, the global challenges in economic crisis, as well as regional geopolitical challenges, including the migration issue," he added.
EU heads of government are seeking Turkey’s help to stem the flow of refugees into Europe.
According to a draft agreement, seen by Anadolu Agency, the EU aims to implement visa-free travel for Turks as soon as October 2016 if Ankara meets certain criteria specified in an agreed roadmap.
The draft agreement also states that both the EU and Turkey have agreed to re-energize accession talks in December.
"We are a European nation… the destiny of our continent belongs to all of you," Davutoglu told European leaders at the summit in Brussels.
"And for the future of European continent, Turkey is doing anything possible not just to respond to the refugee crisis but all issues regarding the future of our continent," he said. "We want to be a member of the European family."
The 28-nation bloc has also offered Turkey 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in funding to meet the needs of Syrian refugees in the country.
