Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu held private meetings with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini in Istanbul, TRT Russian reports.

The three ministers met at lunch, followed by a joint press conference.

Davutoglu stressed Turkey will go on persisting on visa free regime for Turkish citizens. According to him, Turkey doesn’t expect an attitude different from the one shown towards any other country. He stressed they ask for the same standards which were applied to other states by the European Union. The Turkish Premier hoped with the support of their friends in the Union, there won’t be any more obstacles to Turkey’s joining EU.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said he was disappointed over double-standards policy of Europe. He emphasized they will do their utmost to change the current situation.

In his turn, Swedish counterpart Carl Bildt said if Europe shuts its doors to new members, it will hinder many opportunities in the future. He stressed they back Turkey’s membership to EU.