ANKARA - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Turkey was getting prepared to host a development which would give direction to history, stating that, ''Turkey, in a way that will suit to its historical esteem, will make a contribution to provide a lasting peace and put an end to sufferings in the Middle East.''
Speaking at his party group meeting, Erdogan mentioned the issues which top the agenda of the country.
Erdogan said they exerted efforts to provide justice and development, and that a betterment process started in Turkey since they come to power.
Erdogan said they hosted many foreign heads of state and prime ministers, and that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul conveyed Turkey's thesis and sources both within and outside the country.
Stating that Gul reiterated Turkey's importance during NATO Foreign Ministers meeting and OIC Foreign Ministers meeting, Erdogan said they would not allow pessimism.
Erdogan said Turkey improved relations with the world states day by day, stating that he would visit Malaysia and Pakistan with a crowded delegation soon. Erdogan said Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener would visit Bishkek to participate in economic cooperation meeting, and that Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan would visit Gulf countries.
Erdogan said by opening Gurbulak border gate, they opened the most important gate of Asia, stating that this was not a gate only linking Turkey and Iran, but that it connected whole Europe to Middle East and Far East.
(AY-AÖ) 10.06.2003