ANKARA - German Ambassador in Ankara Dr. Eckart Cuntz hosted an evening reception today for the German-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Group.
The reception was attended by the Turkish Parliament EU Adjustment Commission Chairman Yasar Yakis, European Commission Turkey Delegation head Ambassador Marc Pierini, members of the German-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Group and other high level Turkish officials and foreigners.
Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Cuntz underlined his happiness "over the positive relations between Turkey and Germany".
Meanwhile, the German-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Group President Thomas Kossendey remarked that "although there are German parliamentarians in the group from different parties, all wish to support Turkey`s bid to join the European Union (EU)."
On the other hand, a member of the German-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Group and a deputy from the German Greens Party Claudia Roth indicated that "PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his disappointment to her over not being invited to the recent celebrations of the EU`s establishment that were hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel."
Roth added that "had it not been for Turkey`s assistance, the 15 British sailors would not have been freed by Iranian authorities. This event alone shows the importance of Turkey for the EU."