The European Council in a statement issued on Wednesday, said that Council President Mr. Charles Michel "reiterated his support to Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus" during a meeting he had with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara.
According to the statement, the meeting was also attended by EU foreign policy head Joseph Borrell, and the focus of the talks was the migration situation at the EU land and sea borders and the crisis in Syria.
"The meeting was frank and necessary" and Michel also acknowledged Turkey's efforts in hosting millions of refugees. "The EU-Turkey Statement remains the basis of our migration partnership. It was agreed in good faith and needs continued efforts from both sides," the European Council said.
It added that reducing the current migration tensions on the borders of Europe "is essential" and said that "Europe is ready to speed up support to Syrians in Turkey and their host communities."
At the same time, it also underlined the urgent need for a sustainable cease-fire and a lasting political solution to the Syria crisis and stressed that "all actors must respect international humanitarian law. Humanitarian access is essential and Europe is willing to provide additional assistance for those displaced in Idlib."
*Image credit: Presidential Press Service