Prime Minister of Slovenia Borut Pahor said Thursday that Turkey had a crucial regional leadership.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pahor said that the European Union (EU) had to take into consideration Turkey’s regional leadership.
As Slovenia, we will continue to support Turkey’s membership negotiations, Pahor underlined.
"Prime Minister Erdogan is one of the best leaders I know in the world. I say this not only as a diplomatic courtesy but as reflections of my sincere thoughts," Pahor said.
Pahor said that there were no political problems between Turkey and Slovenia, adding that the two countries shared excellent friendship based on mutual trust.
Turkey-EU relations should be strengthened further. The Strategic Partnership Document we signed with Prime Minister Erdogan is important for both bilateral ties and for the EU, Pahor said.
I am very pleased to have signed such a document as it will boost political, economic and cultural relations with Turkey, Pahor said.
"Turkey has a crucial regional leadership. Turkey’s reforms have been supported by its nation. I believe that Turkey will be one of the most important 15 countries in the world in the next decade," Pahor stressed.
With Turkey’s membership the EU will have great opportunities and as Slovenia, we will continue to support Turkey’s membership negotiations process, Pahor also said.
Pahor will meet with Turkish businesspeople in Istanbul on Friday.