ISTANBUL - Turkish Deputy Premier and State Minister Hayati Yazici said Wednesday that Turkey would aim EU general public opinion in the upcoming period.
This policy was limited to decision makers, opinion leaders and media within EU up to now, he said.
Yazici attended a meeting in Istanbul where Industrialists' & Businessmen's Association's (TUSIAD) report on "Turkey's Communication on the Way to the EU Membership: The Case of TUSIAD", was made public.
Delivering a speech, Yazici said most of the problems experienced in Turkey's relations with the EU in the past years stemmed from the country's not so positive image in EU countries.
Commenting on Istanbul's bid for the title "2010 European Capital of Culture", Yazici said, "We should develop projects and assume roles aiming to introduce Istanbul and our rich culture to Europe".
"Promoting Istanbul means promoting Turkey," he added.
Yazici also said Istanbul would host more than 10,000 visitors thanks to the World Bank and IMF meetings to be held in the city in 2009. He said these organizations would contribute to the promotion of the city and Turkey.
(DO-ULG)