ISTANBUL - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Friday that his visit to Germany contributed to relations between the parliaments of Turkey and Germany.
Speaking at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Arinc said he visited Germany as the official guest of German Federal Parliament Speaker Wolfgang Thierse.
Arinc said he was the first Turkish parliament speaker visiting Germany officially after 11 years.
Arinc said he met with German President Johannes Rau, representatives of political parties, and mayors.
''We had fruitful and constructive talks with Thierse,'' Arinc said, adding that he gave detailed information about the reforms fulfilled by the Parliament. He said Thierse appreciated the successful steps taken by Turkey on the way to the EU.
Arinc said several regional and international issues were discussed as well as Turkish-EU relations during his meetings.
(AY-AÖ) 18.06.2004