ISTANBUL - Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Monday, ``unity of 26 countries that have linked up for the same values under the roof of NATO, lightens the whole world for future.``
Welcoming the guest heads of state and government of the allied countries at the NATO Istanbul Summit, President Sezer noted, ``I am sure that the summit will always be remembered as one of the turning points of NATO and of the integration process in Europe.``
Expressing his profound proud and pleasure with hosting the 17th NATO Summit, President Sezer welcomed all participants.
``NATO`s expansion has reached a great dimension with the participation of seven new countries. Their participation to NATO has brought us one step closer to our target of an integrated Europe in peace and stability,`` he said.
President Sezer noted, ``organization of such a summit in Istanbul having a central position in Euro-Atlantic region due to its geographical position and its being the cradle of different cultures, religions and civilizations for centuries, is a great and meaningful chance of the history. The unity of 26 countries that have linked up for the same values under the roof of NATO lightens the whole world for future. Besides its being a political and military alliance, NATO is also an organization of common values.``
``NATO is considered the most successful defense alliance of the world history. We have an endless belief that NATO will achieve more success in the coming periods with the power and confidence of its new allies,`` he said.
President Sezer noted, ``Turkey is proud of being a member of NATO for more than 50 years. NATO`s goals and interests will have an important place in Turkey`s foreign and security policies. We are aware of that policies and initiatives of Turkey having a central position in the international security environment, have been gaining an increasing importance in the international community under the light of new and multilateral threats and opportunities.``
``Turkey will maintain its effective supports to NATO`s joint vision,`` President Sezer added.
(UK-AÖ) 28.06.2004