AMSTERDAM - Turkish Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Sami Guclu arrived in the Netherlands to attend informal meeting of agriculture ministers of the European Union (EU).
Turkish Ambassador in The Hague Tacan Ildem and other officials welcomed Guclu.
Guclu told reporters at the airport that they would focus on safety of foods and this issue interests Turkey very closely. Stressing that in spite of some positive steps Turkey has taken about the safety of foods, there are still many things to do, Guclu said that thus, they will follow carefully the results of the meeting.
Guclu added that he would convey the studies which Turkey has fulfilled about the safety of foods.
Guclu said that he would have bilateral meetings especially with Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Cees Veerman. He added that he would express that Turkey is ready for EU entry talks and wants to start negotiations in December.
Agriculture Ministers will revise agriculture policy of the EU and discuss to follow an agriculture and food policy which is appropriate to needs of society and also safety of foods.
Guclu will return to Turkey on September 7.
(GC-AY) 05.09.2004