Foreign Minister Gul: Alliance Looks At Future With Stronger Confidence

ISTANBUL - NATO was looking at the future with stronger confidence and determination after the last enlargement of the alliance, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Sunday.
Gul who addressed a reception in which participants of NATO summit attended drew attention that NATO held its first summit in Istanbul after new members joined in. ''This is a historical moment both for NATO and Turkey.''
Noting that Istanbul had hosted many summit meetings, but the NATO summit was unique, Gul said, ''I am sure that NATO Istanbul Summit will be considered one of the milestones of history.''
Gul stated that Turkey, which was accepted as a wing country during the Cold War era, has become a significant ally having a key role. ''We will increasingly contribute to protecting and strengthening peace, stability and prosperity in our region.''
(AÖ-ULG) 28.06.2004