ISTANBUL (AA) - August 5, 2012 - Turkish Minister of EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Egemen Bagis on Saturday said that the EU process was highly important for Turkey's democratization, transparency, prosperity and developing a culture of empathy.

Speaking during a theatrical play hosted by the Besiktas town representation of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in Istanbul, Egemen Bagis said that everyone agreed that the differences in Turkey were a richness for the country.
"We may have different political views, different ethnic backgrounds or languages. However, we are together during Ramadan celebrations as we have always been for centuries and we are trying to enjoy this," Bagis said.
"The EU process is crucial for Turkey's democratization, transparency, prosperity and developing a culture of empathy. Tonight, we will share a theatrical play with you that explains the EU process," Bagis also said.
The theatrical play was titled "Karagoz and Hacivat's EU Lesson".

Turkey became a source of inspiration

Turkish Minister of EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Egemen Bagis on Sunday said that Turkey had become a source of inspiration in the world.
Speaking at a pre-dawn meal of suhur hosted by the Youth Branch of the provincial representation of the Justice and Development (AK) Party in Istanbul, Egemen Bagis said that "countries in Turkey's west admit that they get inspired by Turkey's economic growth, young population, and Turkey's steps taken in education".
"Countries in Turkey's east admit that they get inspired by Turkey's democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and market economy," Bagis stressed.
"We pay high attention so that our youth are sensitive to the problems of not only Turkey but the region. Turkey has become the most western part of the east and the most eastern part of the west like it has never before in history," Bagis also said.