ISTANBUL
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated Tuesday their announcement on democratization package and administrative steps taken regarding it, have created a tremendous impression on the 2013 Progress Report, which was recently released by European Union (EU).
Speaking in a joint press conference with Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta in Turkey's Istanbul city, Erdogan said the recently published report was more "well-intentioned" compared to the ones in the past, but added there were also some parts, which they did not agree with.
The premier noted especially the approach of France and recently re-elected German chancellor Angela Merkel would be more important in the coming process.
"We expect an invitation from Merkel, after the vote of confidence and forming of the government," Erdogan said.
The prime minister stressed both the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of EU Affairs worked hard on the issue.
"I think that we'll start a rapid progress if Turkey's friend countries also support it," Erdogan added.
On September 30, 2013, Erdogan announced the democratization package, where he had unveiled a number of reforms on issues regarding political rights, such as the election threshold, party organization, and propaganda in non-Turkish languages.
Erdogan also said Romania is one of the countries which support Turkey's EU accession strongly and unconditionally.
He reminded that Ponta had paid a visit to Turkey earlier and they had made agreements in the fields of agriculture, economy, energy and culture.
"Turkey maintains its historic relations, strategic partnership with its NATO ally Romania. We cooperate with Romania in many different fields ranging from politics to economy, defense, energy and culture," Erdogan said.
Stating that Romania was Turkey's biggest economic partner in the Balkans, Erdogan said the trade volume between the two countries was $6 billion in 2012.
"There are about 18,000 Turkish people in Romania and this establishes a human and cultural bridge between the two countries," he added.
Meanwhile, Ponta extended his congratulations to Erdogan on the inauguration of the Marmaray and the 90th anniversary of the foundation of Republic of Turkey.
Romania has a political partnership with Turkey as well as economic partnership, he said.
Stating that Erdogan and himself discussed visa issues for Turkish business people when they travel to Romania, Ponta added opportunities will be provided for both Romanian and Turkish citizens.
He also expressed support for Turkey's EU membership.
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