Turkey to discuss visa-free travel with EU

Turkey and the EU on Monday agreed here to discuss visa-free travel for Turkish citizens visiting the 28-member bloc, local Today's Zaman reported. At the ceremony in Ankara, the two sides also signed an agreement on EU governments' repatriation of illegal immigrants from Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said earlier this month that the Turkish citizens could enjoy visa exemption for trips to the EU within three and half years. The EU started with Turkey its accession talks in 2005, 18 years after Ankara submitted its first application. However, the talks have made limited progress. Turkey is the only membership candidate that has no visa waiver deal with the EU.