ANKARA
Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkir joined the celebrations for Bastille Day, France's National Day, at the French Embassy in Ankara on Tuesday.
"July 14 symbolizing the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity changed the world's political history and it affected Turkey as well. These ideas were an inspiration first to the Ottoman Empire, second in the Turkish War of Independence and the foundation of the Republic of Turkey," Bozkir said.
Emphasizing that the $22 billion trade volume was an important bridge between the two countries, Bozkir said: "One of the founding countries of the EU and the driving force of the Union, France's role is always important for Turkey's EU membership process. During [President] Hollande's term, one of the chapters blocked by France, number 22, Regional policy and coordination of structural instruments, was opened for negotiations."
"We expect that certain steps, which have been blocked for a while due to unilateral political reasons, will be taken," said Bozkir.
He stated that Turkey was still awaiting that France lift its blocking of the 17th EU chapter about Economic and monetary policy.
Turkey applied for EU membership in 1987. To gain membership, Turkey must successfully conclude negotiations with the EU in 35 policy areas, or "chapters," which include reforms and the adoption of European standards. So far 14 chapters have been opened, while 17 remain blocked and another four have yet to be discussed.
Meanwhile, the French ambassador in Ankara, Laurent Bili, said during his speech, "I am happy since I see many friends especially Volkan Bozkir helping me keep the friendship between France and Turkey alive for centuries. But I feel sadness as my term [in Turkey] is set to end."
"Today (...) we can be hopeful for the future," said Bili. "I will not leave here completely. I made permanent friends and I am sure that these friendships will last until the end of my life. Long live France and Turkey and the friendship of Turkey and France!"
Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 every year. It marks the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789 and symbolizes the end of the monarchy in France.
