ROME - State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said on Monday that Turkey was grateful for Italy's support to its European Union (EU) membership process.
Sahin and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Sami Guclu, who represent Turkey in two separate meetings in Rome, attended a cultural activity held within the scope of the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Republic by the Italian-Turkish Friendship Association.
A film on Turkey's touristic heritage and a film promoting ''Anatolia Fire'' dance show were on the screen in the activity.
Sahin and Guclu delivered speeches in the meeting.
Guclu said that relations between Turkey and Italy from sports to politics and economy had brought two countries closer to each other.
Expressing pleasure with existence of an associations aiming at friendship between two countries, Sahin said, ''Turkish Republic, founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 80 years ago, is a project of civilization. The republic, which defines national sovereignty as the sole will, aims at catching up with level of contemporary civilizations with the understanding of 'Peace at home, peace in the world.' Therefore, Turkey wants to take its place in EU family.''
Sahin added that Turkey was grateful for Italy's support to its EU membership process.
(BRC) 01.12.2003