IZMIR (AA) - Turkey's European Union Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said, "I hope no undesirable development will take place in Egypt, and democracy will be strengthened."
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Bagis underlined that Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi was a democratic leader elected by two-thirds of public.
"Morsi tried to make very important reforms in Egypt despite his short tenure, and his efforts should be appreciated in a country facing crisis one after another," added Bagis.
Bagis also called on the international community to support Morsi against pro-coup groups in Egypt.
Bagis said he was in touch with EU officials including European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stephan Fule and European Parliament Speaker Martin Schulz, who agreed with him about the solution.
"I hope no undesirable development will take place in Egypt, and democracy will be strengthened and problems will be solved within democratic ways," added Bagis.
Egemen Bagis has said Turkey progressed enough to enter the EU soon if obstacles and political blockades were removed.
Speaking in Turkey's western province of Izmir on Wednesday, Bagis said the EU needed Turkey more now than Turkey's need for the EU.
"The EU process is raising per capita income from $400 to $11 thousand in Turkey at the same time. It is raising the number of universities to over 200 up from 14. It is increasing the annual tourism revenue to $30 billion from $9 billion. It means that global investments in Turkey boosted employment. It is a process which offers people healthier food, transport facilities, traveling safely. This process is very important not only for Turkey but also the EU," Bagis said.
Bagis said Turkey's strategic importance was realized by many EU politicians, adding Turkey also needed to take strides.
"Development and growth of Turkey makesus strong in the EU process", said Bagis ." Those who are opposed to Turkey's EU membership are the ones who have never seen Turkey. The ones who have seen Turkey and hospitality of Turkish people welcome Turkey's EU accession. We need to eliminate people's prejudices."
Bagis said surveys showed that nearly all Turkish people believed the reforms made in the EU process strengthened Turkey's democracy, economy, human rights standards but when they were asked if Turkey would enter the EU, the figures fell down, adding "Our citizens have begun to lose faith in Turkey's EU membership."
Bagis underscored Turkey's young population, saying Turkey with average age of 28-29 had Europe's one of youngest populations and would made a huge contribution to Europe.
He also said Turkey had 75 percent of energy resources in the north and south of the country which Europe needs.
