ISTANBUL - Turkey`s EU membership will enhance dialogue and cooperation between the East and the West, and Muslim and Christian world, said Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Hosting a fast breaking dinner in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Istanbul, Erdogan said that not only religious and cultural differences, geographical location, population, economic problems and migration of people but also Turkey`s possible advantages to the EU should be discussed and taken into consideration in membership process.
Erdogan stated that Merkel and he will meet religious representatives in Istanbul tomorrow. "Change of mentality will naturally take some time," he said.
Recalling that Germany will become EU Acting President on January 1st, 2007, Erdogan said that this country has been supporting Turkey`s EU membership bid, and expressed belief that this support will continue when Germany becomes the EU President.
Erdogan added that he also believes that the future will open new horizons for the two countries.