BRUSSELS - Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul started his meetings in Brussels on Thursday.
Gul, who is in Brussels to attend the 16th Congress of the European People's Party (EPP), met with Foreign Affairs Minister Lydie Polfer of Luxembourg at breakfast.
Foreign Minister Gul later met with Costas Caramanlis, the leader of New Democracy Party in Greece.
Gul will also meet with Graham Watson, the Chairman of the Group of the European Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR) in European Parliament, European Union (EU) Commissioner for regional policy Michael Barnier, and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.
Foreign Minister Gul will meet with EU Commissioner for enlargement Guenter Verheugen on Friday.
GUL ADDRESSES EPP CONGRESS
Gul said that they had proven that modern and democratic standards, state of law, freedom of faith and a transparent and better management appropriate to human rights could be reached and achieved in a Muslim society.
Speaking at the 16th Congress of the European People's Party (EPP) in Brussels, Gul said that first participation in the EPP congress was very important and meaningful.
Noting that EPP acted as a foundation stone of European policies, values and traditions, Gul said that it was proved that conservative policies could be in harmony with modernization and contribute to modern societies.
Stressing importance of economic and political strengthening and comprehensive reform steps in Turkey, Gul said that there had been positive developments about Turkey-European Union relations, and Turkey's geopolitical and strategic position was very important.
Underlining the responsibilities of Europe's integration project, Gul said that Turkey had been sharing the same fate with Europe for centuries and it had currently the same vision, adding that Turkey was not a burden for Europe, on the contrary, it was advantageous for Europe.
(AA) 05.02.2004