Merkel in Turkey for talks on reducing migrant influx to Europe

PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel is meeting Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and other Turkish officials for talks on reducing the influx of migrants to Europe, the Associated Press reports.

Turkey, a key country on the migrant route to Europe, is central to Merkel's diplomatic efforts to reduce the flow.

Her talks in Ankara Monday, Feb 8, come as Turkey faces mounting pressure to open its border to up to 35,000 Syrians who have massed along the frontier fleeing an onslaught by government forces.

Turkey, home 2.5 million Syrian refugees, says it has reached its capacity to absorb refugees but has indicated that it will continue to provide refuge.

Turkey agreed in November to fight smuggling networks and help curb irregular migration. The EU has pledged 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) to help improve the condition of refugees.