LISBON - ''EU can be a global actor only with Turkey,'' said Yasar Yakis, chairman of Turkish Parliamentary EU Adjustment Commission.
Speaking at a panel discussion on ''Ataturk and Turkey's Europe Path'' which was held by Portuguese Institute of International Relations (IPRI) in Lisbon on Monday, Yakis said, ''Turkey's full membership to the EU is necessary (for EU's becoming a global actor). French President Jacques Chirac made such a statement in the past as well.''
Yakis said, ''Turkey will be a bridge between the East and the West. EU is not a geographical union because it did not accept its members according to their geographical borders. Turkey will also prove it by joining the EU.''
''Turkey will be harmonious to the EU in cultural aspect. Also Turkish army's talent, largeness and experience will be very beneficial to European defense system,'' said Yakis.
Stressing that Turkey is the 16th largest economy of the world, Yakis said, ''Turkey is a big market for EU. Also Turkey's young population and growing economy are important for EU and surrounding countries.''