ATHENS - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Tuesday that both EU and NATO should be more effective and should make more contribution in all international and regional issues.
Babacan held a joint press conference with Greek FM Theodora Bakoyianni in Athens.
Upon a question about news reports claiming that Turkey prevents cooperation of NATO and EU in Kosovo and Afghanistan, Babacan said, "Turkey make contributions to peace, security and stability both in its region and distant countries. Today, Turkey contributes to peace and stability in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Kosovo and even in far geographies like Haiti. Turkey`s contribution to stability of Kosovo will continue. We believe it is necessary that both EU and NATO should be more effective and should make more contribution in all international and regional issues. However, while making these contributions, it is important to abide by international agreements and mutual commitments."
Upon a question about EU, Babacan said that EU`s open door policy is an important power of the Union, adding, "I think if we talk about geographical borders, cultural characteristics and ethnical elements, we would make a huge mistake." Babacan noted that if borders of EU is to be questioned, the efficiency of open door policy will vanish.
Babacan said that Greek government sincerely supports Turkey`s EU membership process, and wanted this support to continue increasingly.
Babacan also said that Greek PM Costas Karamanlis will visit Turkey soon as the guest of Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that Turkey attaches great importance to this visit as it will be the first formal visit at prime minister`s level between Turkey and Greece after 48 years of interval.
Upon a question about Turkey`s fight against terrorism, Greek FM Bakoyianni said that she strongly condemns every type of terrorism, adding that violence never brings solution to any problem.
Bakoyianni said that Greece is in cooperation with Turkey regarding fight against terrorism.