LISBON - ''Portugal will lobby for Turkey in EU member countries,'' said Yasar Yakis, chairman of Turkish Parliamentary EU Adjustment Commission.
Yakis met Antonio Vitorino, chairman of European Affairs Committee in Portuguese parliament, in Lisbon on Tuesday.
Yakis told reporters, ''Portugal is one of the most supportive countries in terms of Turkey's EU membership. We tried to inform Portuguese officials about the issues regarding lobbying for Turkey in EU countries.''
''It is not possible to compare Turkey with Portugal regarding EU accession. Turkey is different due to its geographical location, population and culture. While Portugal was joining the EU, it was claimed that Portuguese and Spanish workers would fill labor market and cause difficulty. However, it was later seen that Spanish and Portuguese workers started to return their own countries. Turkey will probably experience same conditions during its accession process,'' noted Yakis.
''We have also discussed religion issue. Portugal understands the importance Turkey attaches to religious freedom,'' added Yakis.
On the other hand, Vitorino said that Portugal's support to Turkey's EU membership bid will continue.