ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has stated that Turkey will sign the Ankara Treaty Adjustment Protocol at the right time.
Gul met the European Union president Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn yesterday (Sunday) and held a brief discussion with Asselborn at his residence in Cankaya, Ankara.
''We have assured Asselborn that reforms in the judicial, commercial, educational and social areas will continue,'' told Gul.
According to Gul, as the EU president, Luxembourg has very important responsibilities. ''The EU's goal is not only about letting in Turkey but also helping others that may wish to join the EU. As Turks, we are very optimistic and confident that Luxembourg will do its homework,'' remarked Gul.
''Luxembourg and Turkey have always had good relations. We cooperated in not only commercial areas but also within NATO, defending our boundaries against the former communist regimes. Therefore, we have full confidence in Luxembourg to help Turkey become a full member of the EU in the future,'' stressed Gul.
Meanwhile, the parliament of Luxembourg overwhelmingly voted in favor of Turkey's membership. Out of 60 members of the parliament in Luxembourg, 55 voted in favor of Turkey.
''As Luxembourg, we want to assist the Turks prior to accession talks which will start on October 3, 2005,'' commented Asselborn.