The European Commission on Friday welcomed the adoption of the law on foreigners and international protection by the Turkish Parliament a day earlier, noting that it a was clear sign of Ankara's efforts to establish a sound legal and institutional framework for migration and asylum.
"This law and the institutions that it provides for indicate Turkey's clear commitment to build an effective migration management system in line with EU and international standards," European Commissioners Stefan Fule and Cecilia Malmstrom said in a joint statement.
Praising the advanced steps taken by Turkey in the field of respect of human rights, the two Commissioners noted that the adoption of "these key reforms takes place amid substantial and commendable efforts deployed by Turkey to provide assistance and protection to a very high number of people fleeing the conflict in Syria."
They also expressed confidence that the new law, once properly implemented, will address several issues identified in the Commission Roadmap for visa liberalization which will constitute the basis for dialogue on the issue.
"The Commission is ready to extend its support with all necessary instruments to Turkey in its quest to reshape its migration and asylum management," they added.
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