ANKARA - President of the Asian Development Bank Haruhiko Kuroda stated today (Sunday) that the Turkish economy has displayed unbelievable and prominent progress during the past three years.
''Turks have reached the European Union standards in the economic field. We expect Turkish membership talks to start successfully and are sure that Turkey will rightly join the EU in the upcoming years,'' said Kuroda.
Kuroda arrived in Turkey to begin preparations for the 38th General Council Board Meeting of the Asian Development Bank to be held in Istanbul between 4-6 May, 2005.
''We came to Istanbul this week to evaluate the preparations for our bank's meeting in May. So far, I can confidently say that the preparations conducted by Turkish authorities are excellent,'' told Kuroda.
In an exclusive interview with the Anadolu Agency, Kuroda remarked that the May meeting will focus on the Asian economy, the future of the Asian Development Bank and cooperation among Asian republics.
''Istanbul has been a global city of connecting continents (Asia and Europe) for centuries. Therefore, having our bank's meeting in Istanbul is timely and a good decision.''
Asked how much loan Turkey has received from the Asian Development Bank to this day, Kuroda replied that ''on the contrary, Turkey provides millions of dollars of credits to our bank and its programs. Turks have always been good friends of the Asians, both in times of difficulty and good days!''
Despite precious reforms in the past three years, Turks must continue their reforms on the long, difficult road towards full European Union membership. ''Turks surely will reach the EU standards in the near future. As the Asian Development Bank, we are very happy and honored to cooperate with the Turks of Anatolia.''
According to Kuroda, the Turkish economy is extremely competitive and honest. Turks have been applying the rule of laissez-faire for centuries. We are absolutely sure that Turks are on the right track. Perhaps all the Turkish economy needed was a little fine tuning.''