Intercultural Dialogue, Secularism Discussed In Turkey - E.U. Parliamentary Commission Meeting

BRUSSELS - Turkish and EU officials discussed the importance of intercultural dialogue, as well as the current status of Turkey`s relations with EU at a joint parliamentary commission meeting held in the Belgian capital, Brussels on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 59th meeting of the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, European Parliament`s Turkey Rapporteur Ria Oomen-Ruijten said that Turkey had a great potential, as well as a young and dynamic population.
During her speech, the Dutch rapporteur also said that preserving the principle of "rule of law" and "secularism" was of great importance.
In a session focusing on "intercultural dialogue", Turkish officials explained the importance Turkey attached to secularism and democracy.
Joost Lagendijk, co-chairman of Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, said during the session that democracy and secularism were "Turkey`s strong cards", adding that the country should maintain the balance between the two.
Co-chairmen Lagendijk and Yasar Yakis held a joint press conference after the meeting.
Yakis said that Turkish officials briefed their European counterparts effectively on secularism issue, which he called an indispensable principle for Turkey.
Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission will hold its next meeting on October 27th-28th in Turkey.
(DO-AÖ)