Turkey - E.U. Troika Meeting Is Important In Regard To Taking Up Regional And International Issues

ANKARA - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Spokesman Namik Tan has said, ''Turkey-the European Union (EU) Troika meeting will be held in Ankara on March 8. The meeting is of special importance in regard to taking up works to be carried out in Turkey's EU membership process in the coming period, and exchanging views over regional and international issues.''
Speaking at the weekly press conference, Tan said on Thursday that Foreign Minister Brian Cowen of current EU Term President Ireland, Foreign Minister Ben Bot of next EU Term President the Netherlands, and EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen for enlargement would attend the meeting.
''EU Council Secretary General and EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana will also be in attendance at the meeting. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will receive the guests,'' he said.
Tan told reporters, ''Turkey-the EU Troika meetings have been held intensively since confirmation of Turkey's candidacy status at the Helsinki Summit of 1999. A critical period has begun in relations between Turkey and the EU since the EU will take a decision in December of 2004 about opening of accession talks with Turkey. Therefore, Turkey-the EU Troika meeting is of special importance in regard to taking up works to be carried out in the Turkey's EU membership process in the coming period, and exchanging views over regional and international issues.''
(UK-AY) 04.03.2004