ANKARA
The German foreign minister has said a revival could be achieved in Turkey-EU relations as a result of the latest elections in Europe.
Appearing at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Turkey and Germany had a strategic cooperation and close coordination, praising the role Turkey played in the solution of numerous problems.
Commenting on the situation in Syria, Westerwelle said Germany was extremely concerned about the latest developments in this country as incidents of violence had recently spread to Syria's neighbor Lebanon.
"Annan Plan needs a chance," said Westerwelle, calling on the al-Assad regime and all political parties to put an end to violence.
Westerwelle also said Turkey had a breath-taking success story both in economic and political aspects, and therefore Germany, which was attached to Turkey with millions of people, wanted to improve its political and strategic ties with Turkey.
Pointing to the slowdown in Turkey's EU accession talks in recent years, Westerwelle said there was no use in blaming any party for such pause at the moment, adding the opportunities that had arisen after the latest elections in Europe should be assessed well so that the process could start over.
Expressing his country's support on the matter, the minister said progress could be achieved especially on practical issues.
Noting that Germany was eager to bring action to Turkey's EU process, "Improvement of relations between Turkey and EU is for the benefit of both sides," Westerwelle said.
Describing Turkey as a growing economy, the minister also noted, "If we would like to accelerate our growth in Europe, we need to have close ties with major growth centers like Turkey."
Replying to a question on the escalating threat of racism in Europe, Westerwelle said Germany was ashamed of the terrifying murders committed by far-right extremists.
"I can assure you that there is no room for Neo-Nazis, intolerance and violence in Germany," he said, adding that their fight against far-right groups and violence against immigrants would continue.
"Europe, in deed, represents the idea of tolerance and cooperation," the minister said.
