Cicek receives Romanian PM, Ponta

"Turkey is the only non-EU country that is a member of the Customs Union and fulfills its obligations. Nonetheless, there are other non-member countries which EU does not require visa from. This is a double standard", Speaker of Turkish Parliament, Cemil Cicek said. Pointing out that Turkey and Romania were two key countries in the Balkans, Cicek stated that the development of cooperation between the two countries was important for the region as well, while receiving the visiting Romanian Prime Minister Victor-Viorel Ponta.   Victor-Viorel Ponta, on the other hand, said that the two countries had good political and economic relations, and Romanians had always had friendly feelings towards Turks. "I want you to know that the Romanian government and parliament, as well as the Romanian members in the EU Parliament are true friends of Turkey," Ponta stressed. As for trade relations between Turkey and Romania, Cicek said: "Turkish businessmen consider it a privilege doing business with Romania. They see it as their own country. There are nearly 7,000 Turkish companies doing business in Romania. The more the stimulus, the more the opportunies for cooperation". Referring to the visa problem as the biggest issue between the two countries, Cicek said: "Unfortunately, we have not been able to solve this issue with EU. Turkey is the only non-EU country that is a member of the Customs Union and fulfills its obligations. Nonetheless, there are other non-member countries which EU does not require visa from. This is a double standard. We think this is unfair, and we don't accept it. I would like to thank you (Romania) for your help in this regard, and attempts to facilitate the (visa) process.  ..... Your support regarding Turkey's EU membership is significant."