ANKARA
A top Croatian official said Friday that it is important for Turkey to continue with negotiations over becoming a member of the European Union.
"EU members that support Turkey in its accession feel that Turkey is a key partner," said Vesna Pusic, Croatia's first deputy prime minister and foreign minister. She spoke at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.
Pusic said that, even though the EU sometimes reacted harshly to developments in Turkey, the country should persist with its membership efforts.
She was referring to the Dec. 14 police operation against senior media figures and police officers across Turkey for allegedly being affiliated with what the government describes as the "parallel state" -- an alleged group of bureaucrats embedded in Turkey's government institutions, including the judiciary and the police.
"The supporting countries think Turkey is the future and should be a future member of the EU," Pusic said. "Therefore anything potentially hindering Turkey's path is seen as more important than in some other countries."
EU officials have questioned the police operation.
In order to join, Turkey must successfully conclude negotiations with the EU in 35 policy chapters, or subject areas. This involves harmonizing legislation with the EU.
So far, 14 chapters have been opened for negotiation, while 17 remain blocked, and a further four have yet to be discussed. Only one new chapter has been opened in the past three years.
Pusic said Croatia's exports had increased 10 percent since the country joined the EU in July 2013
"Our industrial production has grown in this year, but maybe more important than this, our voice about some issues was heard," Pusic said.
She was referring in particular to the EU's approach to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Like Croatia, Bosnia was part of the former Yugoslavia.
"It does not mean the job is done, but it means a new beginning," Pusic said. "It shows that by sitting at the table, you can initiate new approaches, new policies, new strategies.
Pusic also signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish EU Minister Volkan Bozkir. Bozkir said the two countries would now increase administrative and judicial cooperation.
"Existing cooperation between Turkey and Croatia in our EU accession process will be upgraded to an advanced level with the signing of this memorandum of understanding," a statement from Turkey's EU Ministry said.
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