Antonio TAJANI, EP President, expresses himself following the EU Leaders&rsquo; meeting with the President of Turkey,&nbsp;Recep TAYYIP ERDOGAN.

Brussels

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

statement

EU - Türkiye (T)

European Parliament

ERDOĞAN, Recep Tayyip

Statement by Antonio TAJANI, EP President following his meeting with Recep TAYYIP ERDOGAN, President of Turkey

Antonio TAJANI, EP President handshake with Recep TAYYIP ERDOGAN, Turkish President.

Falimy photo at flags Antonio TAJANI, EP President and Recep TAYYIP ERDOGAN, Turkish President

Views during the meeting, round table (3 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, We had a long, frank and useful meeting with the President of Turkey. He confirmed the decision of Turkey to become a member of the European Union but I underlined that we need to respect the Copenhagen criteria and that for the European Parliament the death penalty and freedom of Press are two key points. I asked him to send a strong message in this direction.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, It's been a long, frank and clear discussion. President Erdogan has reiterated Turkey's will to be a member of the EU. I have answered that Cophenaguen criteria need to be respected in order to be a member of our Union. For the European Parliament there are two fundamental points: death penalty and press freedom. I've asked him to send a clear and strong message on this direction, a message that will clear up the European doubts.