ANKARA (AA) - March 31, 2013 - Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan on Sunday said that Turkey was now at a different point in international relations.
Speaking at a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party's Provincial Advisory Board in Ankara, Ali Babacan said that Turkey was a regional power and a global actor.
"During the AK Party rule, Turkey went through an historic transformation," Babacan underlined.
"This has turned into a transformation not merely affecting the life in Turkey but the whole geography. Turkey has become a different country with its political and economic reforms compared to 10 years ago," Babacan noted.
"Turkey's policies implemented in the Middle East and the point reached with Israel has surprised many diplomatic experts," Babacan stated.
"For the past 3-4 years, certain circles tried to wear down our Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and us. They claimed that we were doing the wrong thing. Thank God, we stood firm and Israel had to apologize just as we had asked them to do on the first day of the 'Mavi Marmara' incident. We now call on them (Israel) not to be a source and part of the problems. We tell them to be part of the solutions. There are serious problems in the region. We tell them that if they want to do anything, they should contribute to solutions and regional peace," Babacan said.
"With its democracy and strong economy, Turkey has become a natural model for the countries of the region," Babacan indicated.
"There are circles bothered by Turkey's becoming a global actor. Such circles exist in Turkey, in Europe and in the near geography. We will be aware of such circles but our people will not be affected by provokers," Babacan said.
"When I assumed the position of minister in charge of the Turkish Treasury in November 2002, our debt to the IMF was 23 billion USD. Total reserves of the Turkish Central Bank were then 28 billion USD," Babacan noted.
"As of today, our debt to the IMF dropped to 400 million USD. We will make the final payment to IMF in May and our debt will drop to zero," Babacan stated.
"One of the important reasons for many individuals looking at Europe's future pessimistically has to do with population figures. As of the next term, the number of people who would be able to work in Europe will go down significantly," Babacan said.
"When we reach the years 2030-2035, our population who could work in Turkey will get constant. This is why we encourage families to have at least three children," Babacan also said.
