EU MEETING WITH BAGIS AND BABACAN

Minister for EU Affairs Egemen Bagis and Foreign Minister Ali Babacan met with high level government officials dealing with public administrations at Secretariat General for EU Affairs in order to discuss implementation efforts of National Program.

As Turkey's newly appointed Chief EU negotiator, Bagis indicated that witnessing Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's efforts in EU negotiations, he is willing to work for the goal of EU accession.

Citing several developments which recently took place in Turkey such as the launch of a Kurdish TV station, the release of a national program of economic development, a government roadmap for EU reform, the restoration of famous Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet's citizenship, the appointment of a full-time EU negotiator and Erdogan's visit to Brussels, Bagis emphasized that all these developments prove that Turkey is focusing its attention on its goal of EU accession with the participation of its government, its opposition, its military and its civilians and its non-governmental organizations. Bagis added that they will work together in order to revitalize public excitement over Turkey's full EU membership.

In his speech, Bagis recalled that following his appointment, with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid official visits to Brussels and they made it clear to all EU officials that Turkey was determined about its goal of EU accession.

"This is not only our project, but a project of our children, who are our future. We expect support from everyone. We want to cooperate with everyone. We hope to achieve this goal together," added Bagis.

Foreign Minister Ali Babacan also emphasized Turkey's determination on full EU membership. He stressed the significance of reforms and restorations in providing stability and higher living standards in Turkey. Babacan reminded that the EU accession process is a national concern and wished success to Bagis.