EUROPE IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT ISTANBUL

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis hosted the Closing Ceremony of Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010 and said "Europe wouldn't be complete without Istanbul."

Bagis met with the council generals and the officials of culture centres in Istanbul at the dinner held in Les Ottomans, and emphasised that more than 9,600 events took place in Istanbul in the year 2010.

Bagis continued his speech as follows:

"Istanbul's and Turkey's objectives give inspiration to many countries. Turkey is a source of hope for those countries in pursuit of more democracy, transparency, sustainability and happiness. We have to give the right message from Istanbul."

Source: AA