BRUSSELS
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso during his two-day visit to Brussels; his first visit to the European Union (EU) capital since 2009.
Talks mainly touched on Turkey-EU relations, the Syrian crisis and Egypt since the 3rd July military coup which ousted President Mohamed Morsi. Developments in Iran, South Caucasus and Western Balkans were also discussed.
Barrosa emphasized that relations should deepen between the EU and Turkey, which continue to be important partners.
EU Officials present during the meeting, said that the Turkish government attaches great importance to the momentum gained in 2013 with the country's EU accession process, adding, "This shows that we would like to take more steps forward."
Erdogan will also meet with European Parliament President Martin Schulz and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. Following the meeting, he is expected to hold a joint press conference with Van Rompuy and Barroso.
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