ANKARA - "Rumors of a crisis in Turkish-European Union (EU) relations want to cause sensation," said Abdullah Gul, Turkish FM and deputy PM, on Tuesday.
In a press briefing before his departure for Rome, where Gul will attend the Third Turkish-Italian Forum, Abdullah Gul indicated that Turkey does not expect a crisis after the EU Progress Report to be made public on Wednesday.
Abdullah Gul remarked that the EU process is not an easy one. "There will be ups and downs and difficulties. Yet we have a willingness to overcome all difficulties," noted Gul.
He stressed that Turkey still has some deficiencies in the EU process. "However, our sincere desire and the EU's loyalty to its promises will help Turkey overcome all difficulties and obstacles," expressed Gul.
GUL: TURKISH-ITALIAN RELATIONS ARE EXCELLENT
Gul told reporters that he will convey Turkey's thoughts on the EU process to D'Alema.
According to Gul, the Turkish-Italian Forum is a prime example of cooperation and good dialogue.
Minister Gul stressed that every effort is being made to promote Turkish-Italian relations which have a historical root, roughly 150 years of history.
"We pay high attention to our meetings with Italy on the 150th anniversary of the beginning of relations between Turkey and Italy," commented Gul.