Visa-free visits definitely benefit the two countries

When will Belarusian residents be able to visit Turkey without a visa?

By Yevgeny Semiletov

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Belarus, H.E. Mr. Cevat Nezihi Ozkaya, has noted at a press conference that this may occur next year.

According to the diplomat, an agreement on mutual visa-free trips is almost ready for signing. “I hope that, by mid-2012, Belarusian residents will be able to freely visit Turkey and stay there as long as they wish. Turkish citizens will enjoy the same freedom, encouraging significant inflow of currency into Belarus,” added the Ambassador.

In view of the planned abolishment of visas, our two states’ airlines are now discussing how best to increase the number of flights between Belarus and Turkey, leading to lower ticket prices. The Ambassador noted that, in its move to join the EU, Turkey is keen to follow EU foreign policy, yet makes an exception regarding Belarus.

“We don’t believe that the application of sanctions and isolation of a country will benefit the development of our relations. We’re convinced of the need to develop collaboration and dialogue,” he notes, underlining that Turkey always speaks openly regarding this issue. It’s a position which finds understanding in Europe.

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