MINISTER BAGIS RECEIVES ITALY'S HIGH ORDER OF MERIT

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis was awarded the High Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

Bagis, who was already decorated with 'Cavaliere' by the Italian Republic, was awarded the Order of 'Commendatore', the High Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, this time for his contributions to Turkey-Italy relations and for his determined attitude and outstanding service in Turkey's EU membership process. Italian Ambassador Gianpaolo Scarante presented Bagis with the Order of Merit during the reception hosted at the Italian Embassy to celebrate the National Day of the Italian Republic.

Indicating that the evening when two important days for Italy were being celebrated coincided with the holy Night of Regaip in Turkey, which had a Muslim majority population; Minister for EU Affairs Bagis stated that he was very happy to receive such an Order of Merit on a night which was also important for the Italian people.

Noting that he was awarded the Order of 'Ufficale' while he was serving as the deputy chairman of the Justice and Development Party in 2005, Bagis said, "Tonight as a state Minister of the Republic of Turkey, I am also very pleased to receive the Order of 'Commendatore' from the esteemed Ambassador Scarante. I receive this Order of Merit on behalf of myself, my government and my people."

Pointing out that Italy was one of the most important countries of the EU and it was one of the allies which openly supported Turkey's EU negotiation process, Bagis stated that Italy at the same time was among those leading countries which supported Turkey most in order the EU Commission to start negotiations for the visa exemption.

Source:AA