GAZIANTEP - French Ambassador to Turkey Paul Poudade said, ''France supports Turkey's EU bid.''
During his visit to southeastern city of Gaziantep on Friday, Poudade told reporters, ''France supported Turkey in the vote on starting date of Turkey's EU entry talks. During my meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, I told him that France gives full support to Turkey's EU bid.''
''French President Jacques Chirac is a friend of Turks. He wants to visit Turkey soon. I was appointed as ambassador to Turkey 4 months ago. During my term in office, I will try to improve Turkey-France relations,'' added Poudade.
''France will be pleased with Turkey's accession to the EU after it meets required conditions. Negative views of French people towards Turkey's EU membership do not bind French state policies,'' noted Poudade.
''Our state policy is in favor of Turkey's EU membership after fulfillment of necessary criteria. Statements about this issue in France are made by Chirac. Such decisions and official statements reflect our state policy,'' said Poudade.
He added, ''400,000 Turks are living in France. Every year 500,000 French citizens visit Turkey for vacation. We want this number to increase.''