The heads of state and government of the EU countries have instructed the European Commission (EC) to prepare new financial assistance to Turkey for Syrian refugees, the EU said in a statement.

The European Council calls on the European Commission to promptly submit a proposal for further financial support for Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and other parts of the region within the framework of the EU migration policy, it says.

As stated in the document, the EU is interested in developing cooperation and mutually beneficial relations with Ankara. The Council of Europe confirms the EU's readiness to interact with Turkey in stages, proportionally, to strengthen cooperation in some areas of common interest.

Earlier, Reuters reported, citing sources, that the European Union is considering allocating € 3.5 billion to Turkey to continue receiving Syrian refugees until 2024. The financial support is part of a total aid package of more than € 5.7 billion for Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The funds are planned to be directed to humanitarian projects. According to the agency, about 4 million refugees are currently living in Turkey.