ISTANBUL - Foreign Minister of Switzerland Micheline Calmy-Rey has said today (Thursday) that Turkey's membership in the European Union is important for Switzerland. ''Just as the membership is crucial for Turkey, Turkey's membership in the EU is a matter of prominence for Switzerland.''
In a meeting organized by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Istanbul's Ciragan Palace, Calmy-Rey gave a speech titled ''Switzerland's status in Europe and relations with Turkey.''
Visiting minister Calmy-Rey stated that Switzerland has good ties with all the European countries. ''We (Switzerland) are known as a neutral country.''
Calmy-Rey indicated that Switzerland continues its relations with the EU via mutual agreements and trade partnerships. ''Turkey and Switzerland have had good relations for decades.''
Calmy-Rey mentioned that Turkey's bid to join the EU is a positive step. ''Turkey's membership in the EU would contribute to regional stability. EU's political and economic standards will attract attention in the region. Turkey's journey towards full EU membership is one that the Swiss people are watching with admiration.''
According to Calmy-Rey, Turkey's membership in the EU would facilitate survival of different cultures and religious backgrounds. ''EU values support multi-cultural diversity and standards.''
Calmy-Rey commented that her visit to Turkey should be seen as a symbol that Switzerland is sincere about developing ties with Turkey. There are over 80,000 Turkish citizens living in Switzerland whose native language is Kurdish, remarked Calmy-Rey.
''Turkish citizens living in Switzerland have been successful in integrating in the Swiss society.''
Touching on the economic ties between Turkey and Switzerland, Calmy-Rey stressed that the Turkish market is given more priority compared to the Polish, Danish and Finnish markets. ''Switzerland is the sixth biggest investor in Turkey. Swiss corporations employ about 9,000 Turks throughout Turkey. There are approximately 304 Swiss companies active in the Turkish market.''
Asked by a journalist about the position of Switzerland on the so-called Armenian genocide, Calmy-Rey replied that the stand of the Swiss Federal Government is clear. ''We believe that each nation must handle its own history. As Switzerland, we have to work on the funds that were taken away from Switzerland during World War II. As we discussed with his excellency Abdullah Gul, we are in favor of establishing an international committee of experts to study all claims. We believe that the Armenian diaspora should have representation in such a committee.''