"TURKEY PROGRESSES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND APPROACHES TO THE EU MEMBERSHIP WITH THE REFORMS CARRIED OUT FOR THE SAKE OF ITS PEOPLE"

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis attended the Middle East Forum held by Center for Strategic Communication at Esma Sultan Palace in Istanbul.

In his speech there, Bagis said Turkish people should trust more to the EU and that the Europeans should overcome their anxieties and fears about Turkey and added "The government is determined in the EU process. Full membership can be achieved with a good program and a disciplined work."

Stating that Turkey's EU membership process continued since 1959 and that its aim was full membership; Bagis said that there was no other relation type than full membership in the EU acquis.

Stating that Turkey would make contributions to Europe's problems, Bagis continued his speech as follows:

"Such contributions supporting the fight against illegal migration and the fight against terrorism, playing an active role in the fight against economic crises, and contributions to energy security, have also contributed to Turkey's membership to United Nations Security Council. Turkey is a country which has also made contribution to many bilateral and regional problems."

The EU process has contributed to Turkey in terms of creating a free discussion atmosphere and breaking the taboos. Today, more people are carrying discussions on further issues. Turkey is progressing and is getting closer to EU membership with the reforms it realized."

Stating that also the East was closely watching Turkey's EU accession process, Bagis said "The fact that Turkey has increased its relations with the Middle East doesn't alienate Turkey from the EU; on the contrary, it increases Turkey's value before the EU.

The Middle East experienced all kinds of war. We are trying to bring diplomacy and peace efforts. Barack Obama, the USA President also carries out works in this direction."

Emphasizing that the EU would change a lot by the year 2025, Bagis pointed to the importance of Lisbon Treaty, and added "The Irish made a correct decision. We hope the Czech President would also approve it before long. Turkey will become like other EU states and will contribute to Europe's future."

Source: AA