ANKARA
Turkey's economic boom and reforms over the last decade should be taken into consideration by the EU, says Turkish Minister of Development Cevdet Yilmaz.
Speaking at a dinner at the Institute de Bosphore in France, French EU Minister Thierry Repentin stated that Turkey is in a key position for maintaining the energy needs of western Europe. He noted that there are many Turkish electricity production projects which European investors would be interested in.
Touching on Turkey's EU membership, Repentin said that failure in opening new chapters had certain effects on Turkish-French relations. Repentin noted that the failure affects not only the politics between the two states, but also creates a negative perception in the public opinion which should be reversed with a relationship based on trust.
Turkish Minister of Development Cevdet Yilmaz also referred to Turkey's candidacy and EU membership process.
Yilmaz expressed that he sees two European perceptions in regards to Turkey: one which contributes to economic development, social integration, environmental issues and the promotion of democratization, and another which does not treat Turkey fairly and denies its integration into Europe.
“The second Europe I have defined is bad not only for Turkey, but for the EU as well. If this second perception prevails in the EU, then there is no benefit for Turkey in joining the EU. What we should do is to promote, and develop perceptions along, this first perception."
- "Turkey undertakes significant reforms"
Referring to the EU's contribution in reforms in Turkey over the last ten years, Yilmaz addressed the development witnessed in the Turkish economy.
"Besides all political and social codes, the EU must also consider the developing Turkish economy," said Yilmaz.
Referring to the EU financial crisis, Yilmaz stressed that economics should hold a significant place in the EU-Turkish agenda.
Yilmaz also addressed the issue of visa requirements for Turkish citizens entering the EU by saying that visa application requirements should be abolished in order to advance an exceptional relationship between Turkey and the EU.
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