Foreign Policies

Hamzacebi: Turkey's EU Entry Would Be Mutually Beneficial

Bratislava, April 24 (TASR) – Modern Turkey professes democratic values and its possible joining of the EU will be beneficial for both sides, Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mehmet Akif Hamzacebi said at a conference of the EU’s parliamentary leaders in Bratislava on Monday.

“Turkey’s EU membership is part of the democratisation process,” said Hamzacebi, adding that Turkey has the necessary attributes to be able to pursue proactive foreign policies that would also be beneficial for the EU.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s prospective EU membership is also a necessary part of its overall state strategy. “We’ve always been looking to the west. We began back in 1963 by signing the Association Treaty and we launched the accession talks in 1999. The integration process has reached its final phase and it isn’t necessary to open any further chapters. Turkey must cooperate with the EU and we believe that political obstacles shouldn’t be placed in front of this process,” said Hamzacebi, adding that many EU countries would like to see Turkey in the EU.

The Turkish official further expressed his displeasure over the fact that the official conclusions of the parliamentary summit only reference the possible expansion of the EU to the Balkans.

“This is an unfortunate formulation. Turkey plays a key role for the EU’s security and stability. Talks on enlarging [the EU] and accepting Turkey are important. It will be beneficial for the whole region,” added the Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

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