ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan asked for "stronger support" against terrorism during a meeting on Monday with his Austrian counterpart in Ankara.
"We have reiterated the importance of international cooperation against terrorism and conveyed our expectation for stronger support from Austria," Babacan told a joint press appearance with Ursula Plassnik in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Babacan also requested "continued Austrian support" for Turkey`s membership bid in the European Union, expressing his country`s determination to keep up with EU reforms.
The Turkish foreign minister said he had exchanged Turkey`s views with Plassnik on the current situation of the Cyprus problem, adding that he had underlined the importance of a lasting settlement on the island under the UN umbrella.
Plassnik said that joint action against terrorism constituted an important issue for her country. "As a solid partner, we are determined on the fight against terrorism."
The Austrian foreign minister described Turkey`s EU reforms as "impressive," saying that Austria would continue to support and encourage EU-oriented efforts.
Plassnik also said she told Babacan that Austria`s stance towards Turkey`s EU membership remained "unchanged."
(YMB-MS)