Brussels, 27/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström issued a press release in which she welcomed the conclusion of a readmission agreement between the EU and Turkey, an agreement which was signed with Ankara on 14 January and which is now to be approved by the EU27, possibly at the forthcoming JHA Council of 24 February, and by the European Parliament. By virtue of this agreement, Turkey undertakes to receive back any illegal immigrants which transited across Turkish soil to get to the EU and who will be sent back by the member states. In exchange, it will obtain a relaxed visa policy for its nationals travelling within the Schengen area. The agreement also covers the other readmission agreements negotiated by the EU with other third countries, such as Pakistan, the origin of a number of migrants passing through Turkish territory. This readmission agreement comes in the framework of cooperation between the two countries to fight illegal immigration, with Ankara also aiming for a visa liberation agreement in the long run. The agreement which has been finalised by the Commission was examined for the first time on Wednesday 26 January by the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the Council and was fairly well received, according to one source. The agreement will be discussed again on 9 February and may be adopted at the Council on 24 February. Turkey is now, via its border with Greece mainly, the main gateway for immigration into the EU, with immigrants coming mainly from Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. (S.P./transl.fl)