WASHINGTON, D.C. - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan came together with the U.S. President George W. Bush at the White House on Wednesday. Before the meeting, Erdogan signed the special book of the White House.
During the meeting at the White House, Prime Minister Erdogan said, ''the position of Turkey in the international platform against terrorism following the September 11th events, has become clear. We have been carrying out a joint fight against terrorism together with the United States.''
He expressed great satisfaction over decision of the United States.
''We have been sharing the same views about further improvement of the strategic partnership between Turkey and the United States. During the meeting, we had the opportunity of expressing our determination to find a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue. We noted that we had been supporting the good-will mission of the United States. We reiterated that negotiation process should be resumed on the basis of the plan of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. We said that the Turkish side would always one step ahead of the Greek Cypriot side,'' he added.
Meanwhile, President Bush said in his part that they considered Turkey one of important friends and allies of the United States.
Describing Prime Minister Erdogan as a politician speaking frankly, President Bush said that they had explained the United States' ideal of a peaceful Iraq in its territorial integrity.
Reminding that Prime Minister Erdogan had informed him on recent developments on the Cyprus issue, President Bush expressed his satisfaction with efforts to find a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue.
Stressing that he appreciated Turkey's attitude in fight against terrorism, President Bush said that both Turkey and the United States knew the meaning of killing of innocent people by terrorists.
Stating that they should be aggressive against terrorism, President Bush emphasized that terrorists should be brought to justice.
Noting that they would take up the other important issues during the luncheon, President Bush expressed his wish to pay a visit to Turkey in the coming months.
Pointing out that those, who visited Turkey, were talking about natural and cultural assets of Turkey and hospitality of Turkish people, President Bush said that he felt proud of hosting Prime Minister Erdogan at the White House.
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, State Minister Ali Babacan, State Minister Kursad Tuzmen, National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and President Bush's National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice were also in attendance at the meeting.
(AA) 28.01.2004