Türk stated that partnership with Russia has a strategic purpose for the EU and should be treated accordingly. Within this partnership Türk believes visa-waiver program would be a step forward.Other than the US, Canada, Australia citizens, nationals of the following countries - Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Brunei, Venezuela, Panama, Paraguay, Japan, Chile, Croatia, Malaysia, Nicaragua and Honduras – do not require a visa to visit the EU countries.

Russia has prepared a draft of a visa abolition agreement earlier this year and hopes for a positive response from the EU by the end of the year. Russia will not change the visa regime with the EU countries if they are not ready to abolish visas.