ANKARA
France’s ambassador to Turkey, Laurent Bili, praised Turkey’s ruling AK Party government for the progress made during the party's 11-year period of rule.
“The country’s modernization policy and the beginning of Turkey’s EU accession negotiations have brought huge investments from abroad and provided economic development,” said Bili.
Bili, who worked in Turkey between 1995 and 1998 and returned in 2011, also mentioned the 2013 Gezi Park protests, a series of demonstrations to prevent the demolition of a park in the center of Istanbul.
“I think it is a sign of democratization,” the ambassador said.
Bili also welcomed Anadolu Agency’s plans to broadcasting in French. “Global actors want to be everywhere,” he said.
He pointed out that the number of African countries who have embassies in Turkey has increased from around 10 in the past to 30.
AA’s Tunisia-based French broadcasts will serve mainly serve Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, France and Belgium.
Bili also responded to criticism that Turkey has turned towards Africa and the Middle East and away from Europe, saying that the claims are “absurd” considering Turkey’s geographic location and history.
Bili referenced France's President Francois Hollande's visit to Turkey in January, saying it was important in the two countries' diplomatic histories and that both countries should forget past issues and tensions and look to the future.
Turkey and France, as a result of their geographical locations and intersecting interests, can cooperate in various areas, particularly in Africa, the ambassador said.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
