Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul expressed confidence in Türkiye's European Union accession bid during a reception in Ankara hosted by Italian Ambassador Carlo Marsili to mark Italy's national day.
Gul noted that formal negotiations between Türkiye and the EU were set to open on 12 June, calling the milestone a critical turning point. He acknowledged the process carries inherent difficulties but stressed that Türkiye must meet its obligations without delay, warning that the country had already lost time to internal disputes.
"This is the last opportunity and we should not miss it," Gul said.
The minister also highlighted that 2006 marks the 150th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Italy, praising the relationship as warm and stable, and thanking Rome for its backing of Türkiye's EU aspirations.
Ambassador Marsili echoed that support, stating that Italy firmly believes a genuine EU requires Türkiye's membership and that backing Ankara's accession remains standing Italian government policy.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.