BERLIN - ''Purification of prejudices among cultures is very important,'' said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan was awarded with ''Quadriga'' prize in Germany on Sunday.
Delivering a speech, Erdogan said, ''prejudices among cultures should be purified. A respected and secure Europe will be a source of inspiration for other regions of the world.''
Noting, ''we consider the European Union (EU) process as a path to prevent clash of civilizations,'' Erdogan thanked Germany for its support to Turkey on the path to the EU.
Erdogan said, ''we do not want people to be victims of terrorism any more. We strongly need this for global peace and solidarity.''
''The principles of vision, courage, intellect and confidence which the prize symbolizes have always directed me. Thus, the prize is very important for me,'' said Erdogan.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said, ''I am very happy to award a person with 'Quadriga' prize who wants to and will make his country an EU member.''
Noting, ''Erdogan is trying to bring prosperity to people of his country,'' Schroeder said, ''great reforms were adopted in a short time, but at the same time there are some difficulties.''
''Membership talks with Turkey will be a long process. I have no doubt that Turkey will complete this process successfully. Turkey can trust in Germany about this issue,'' added Schroeder.
(GC-AÖ) 04.10.2004