ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has left for Germany on Tuesday to meet his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier and launch a project to provide consular services on the internet.
Prior to his departure, Gul told reporters at Ankara`s Esenboga Airport that second chapter of negotiations between Turkey and the EU was opened during Germany`s EU presidency.
"We are now expecting other three chapters to be opened during German presidency," Gul said.
While responding to a question on whether or not Turkey reacts to the EU (as it was not invited to EU`s 50th anniversary celebrations) by not attending the Gymnich meeting (informal meeting of Foreign Ministers of EU member states), Gul said he did not attend the Gymnich meeting held in Bremen, Germany in March since his schedule was not suitable.
Gul stated that he would discuss regional, international issues and Turkey`s EU process with his counterpart during his visit to Germany.
"We attach great importance to Germany`s support to Turkey`s EU process," said Gul.
Gul also noted that he would proceed to Cologne from Berlin on Wednesday to launch a new e-consulate project.
"Thanks to this project, our 5 million citizens living abroad will be able to make most of their applications through the internet without going to consulate buildings," he added.