BERLIN - Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Saturday that they considered NATO summit that would take place in Istanbul as an important opportunity that would strengthen NATO-EU strategic partnership.
Gonul addressed a conference entitled ``Security Dimension in Turkey-EU Relations`` jointly held by West Germany Turk Initiative and Berlin Europe Academy.
Gonul said NATO-EU cooperation, fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, providing stability in the Balkans, formation of a new transatlantic relation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and improvement of cooperation in Afghanistan and Iraq would contribute to the development of global peace and stability.
Gonul said, ``we consider NATO summit that will take place in Istanbul as an important opportunity to strengthen NATO-EU strategic partnership. A political declaration that will be announced in NATO summit will be beneficial to give accurate messages to the international society in the right time and place. To this end, we consider Istanbul a place where unity of target will be strengthened.``
Stating that there were improving relations between Germany and Turkey not only in military but also in economic, social and cultural areas, Gonul said, ``another field of cooperation between Turkey and Germany is Turkey`s EU candidacy and its will to become a full member of the EU. This is the main target of the government. We take bold steps for this. Support of Germany on this issue is very important. I would like to say that we are grateful to Germany on this issue.``
Gonul said Turkey`s EU membership would not only be beneficial to Turkey but also for the EU, stating that Turkey has been a reliable member of NATO Alliance for more than 52 years.
Stating that no country in the world could fight against terrorism by itself, Gonul said, ``role of Turkey in fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction became important both for Europe and the United States after September 11 terrorist attacks. Turkey has the role of a key country for security of Europe. Turkey`s geopolitical importance due to its location in Caucasus, Middle East, Balkans and Russian Federation, is of vital importance for Europe`s security.``
Gonul said Turkey fulfilled its responsibilities in Europe-Atlantic region and contributed providing of stability making cooperation with the international institutions.
Stressing that Turkey welcomed decision for formation of strategic partnership between NATO and the EU and that such a strategic partnership would make joint fight against risks and threats more influential, Gonul said Turkey wanted to be represented permanently in NATO communication office that would be formed within EU military structure.
Gonul said Turkey was sincere in making contributions to all EU operations, expressing belief that establishment of European Defense Agency would be beneficial in this respect.
Gonul said the EU would need to use capabilities, stressing that nobody could disregard the capabilities Turkey could provide to the EU in this respect. He said Turkey`s potential experience could be seen by everybody when compared with the countries which have newly joined the EU.
Gonul, who replied to a question about the reforms fulfilled in Turkey, stated that, ``EU was founded in 1958. Turkey had applied the EU in 1959. This means 45 years passed since our application. We should reach a conclusion. We do what is necessary.``
(AY) 09.05.2004
BERLIN - Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Saturday that they considered NATO summit that would take place in Istanbul as an important opportunity that would strengthen NATO-EU strategic partnership.
Gonul addressed a conference entitled ``Security Dimension in Turkey-EU Relations`` jointly held by West Germany Turk Initiative and Berlin Europe Academy.
Gonul said NATO-EU cooperation, fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, providing stability in the Balkans, formation of a new transatlantic relation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and improvement of cooperation in Afghanistan and Iraq would contribute to the development of global peace and stability.
Gonul said, ``we consider NATO summit that will take place in Istanbul as an important opportunity to strengthen NATO-EU strategic partnership. A political declaration that will be announced in NATO summit will be beneficial to give accurate messages to the international society in the right time and place. To this end, we consider Istanbul a place where unity of target will be strengthened.``
Stating that there were improving relations between Germany and Turkey not only in military but also in economic, social and cultural areas, Gonul said, ``another field of cooperation between Turkey and Germany is Turkey`s EU candidacy and its will to become a full member of the EU. This is the main target of the government. We take bold steps for this. Support of Germany on this issue is very important. I would like to say that we are grateful to Germany on this issue.``
Gonul said Turkey`s EU membership would not only be beneficial to Turkey but also for the EU, stating that Turkey has been a reliable member of NATO Alliance for more than 52 years.
Stating that no country in the world could fight against terrorism by itself, Gonul said, ``role of Turkey in fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction became important both for Europe and the United States after September 11 terrorist attacks. Turkey has the role of a key country for security of Europe. Turkey`s geopolitical importance due to its location in Caucasus, Middle East, Balkans and Russian Federation, is of vital importance for Europe`s security.``
Gonul said Turkey fulfilled its responsibilities in Europe-Atlantic region and contributed providing of stability making cooperation with the international institutions.
Stressing that Turkey welcomed decision for formation of strategic partnership between NATO and the EU and that such a strategic partnership would make joint fight against risks and threats more influential, Gonul said Turkey wanted to be represented permanently in NATO communication office that would be formed within EU military structure.
Gonul said Turkey was sincere in making contributions to all EU operations, expressing belief that establishment of European Defense Agency would be beneficial in this respect.
Gonul said the EU would need to use capabilities, stressing that nobody could disregard the capabilities Turkey could provide to the EU in this respect. He said Turkey`s potential experience could be seen by everybody when compared with the countries which have newly joined the EU.
Gonul, who replied to a question about the reforms fulfilled in Turkey, stated that, ``EU was founded in 1958. Turkey had applied the EU in 1959. This means 45 years passed since our application. We should reach a conclusion. We do what is necessary.``
(AY) 09.05.2004