Belarus, Turkey may abolish visas in early 2012

Belarus and Turkey might sign an agreement on visa-free travel at the beginning of 2012, Turkish ambassador to Belarus Cevat Nezihi Ozkaya said here Wednesday."The agreement on visa-free travel might be concluded in January-February next year as the Turkish Foreign Minister is set to visit Belarus around this time," said Cevat Nezihi Ozkaya when meeting with Belarusian Parliament Chairman Anatoly Rubinov."Turkey is among the major travel destinations for Belarusians. Ordinary people encourage us politicians to make this move," said the ambassador, adding "It has always been easy for Belarusians to visit Turkey, but this agreement will remove some psychological barriers."According to Cevat Nezihi Ozkaya, the two countries have no political disagreements, and Turkey was the first country to recognize the independent Belarus."Economic cooperation between the two countries is gaining momentum. At present, our investments in the Belarusian economy are estimated at over one billion U.S. dollars," said the Turkish diplomat.Earlier Turkey refused to join the visa and economic sanctions on Belarus imposed by the European Union after ambiguous presidential elections in Belarus in late December 2010."We believe in dialogue and the need to develop cooperation," said Cevat Nezihi Ozkaya earlier. In his views, Turkey, which is trying to join the EU and seeks to follow the principles of the European foreign policy, makes an exception for Belarus."Turkey has openly declared its position, and the EU understands this attitude of Turkey. They also see that the relations between Turkey and Belarus are quite special," said the diplomat.