Turkey and Russia might lift visa regime in the course of RF President Dmitry Medvedev’s forthcoming visit to Ankara in May, Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.

“Quite possibly Mr. Medvedev and I will sign an agreement on strategic cooperation and lift visa regime between our states,” Erdogan said at the University of Sarajevo (Bosnia).

According to him, cancellation will be manifestation of mutual confidence between two leading trade and economic partners.

Turkish Premier also added that Ankara cancelled visa requirements with 25 states within last 7.5 years.

Erdogan expressed confidence that sooner or later Turkey will join European family as a full member.

“If they do not admit us, as some people say, they are the ones to lose, not us. As then they will declare themselves Christian club members. We wish to see EU not as Christian club, but a center of civilization,” Premier noted.

He underlined that Turkey has no intention of becoming a burden for EU. “Europe should become a region where the peace dominates, and an example for international community with Turkey’s crucial role,” Erdogan concluded.

A.G.