(VOVworld) – Membership in the European Union remains Turkey’s strategic goal, said Turkish President Taytip Erdogan on Monday.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during his meeting with mukhtars at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey May 4, 2016. (Photo: Reuters/Umit Bektas)

Erdogan said he hopes a deal to simplify visas for Turks visiting the EU will accelerate Turkey’s accession. His written statement appeared to be an attempt to clarify his position days after he said Turkey will not make the changes to its terrorism laws required under a deal with the EU to curb migration.

The EU has asked its members to grant visa-free travel to Turks in return for keeping migrants from reaching Europe, but says Turkey must bring its terrorism laws into line with EU standards. Turkey has repeatedly said that without visa liberalization, there would be no migrant deal.