ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated today (Thursday) that Europe is experiencing difficulties in competing globally. ''It is my sincere belief that Europe will find a solution to its market research with the membership of Turkey,'' told Erdogan.
Erdogan participated in the Forum Istanbul 2005 meeting at the Swissotel in Istanbul.
''We can not design the future. No government will remain in place for the next 18 years. We will not look at individuals or incidents, but rather the historical process,'' said Erdogan.
Erdogan remarked that many contradictions are taking place globally. ''Europe has created multi-national firms. The Soviet break-up resulted in new nationalism in the former Soviet republics,'' mentioned Erdogan.
Europe is experiencing problems in being competitive, commented Erdogan. ''Europe is facing a poor giant that employs individuals at extremely low wages and a rich giant which it has difficulties in competing in the technological race,'' stressed Erdogan.
A university student asked Erdogan if the telephone lines of the White House will keep ringing busy in 2023. Erdogan replied that there are no problems with the U.S.. ''Our phone lines with the White House are open for use. In 2023, Turkey will be a power whose area of influence will extend from the EU to Afghanistan and the Middle East. You (the young students of today) will witness those days. You will find it easier to talk with the White House then,'' indicated Erdogan.
Erdogan pointed out that there are two headings of the EU. ''One of them is harmonization laws. The other is implementation. We may initially have some problems with the implementation,'' said Erdogan.
Erdogan expressed that language courses in native languages have been opened in southeast Anatolia. Recalling that the topic of tv and radio programs in native languages were exaggerated, Erdogan noted that as the related law was issued, there occurred no problem regarding tv and radio programs in native languages.
Prime Minister Erdogan stressed that the referendum to be held in France has nothing to do with October 3rd. ''The French will cast their votes for the EU constitution.''
''The future is only known by God. However, I know one thing for sure. We are a dynamic country that would enter the EU by 2023. An EU member Turkey will design the balances in the region,'' said Erdogan.
Erdogan reminded the listeners that Turkey is about to establish a ''Silicon Valley'' of technology soon. ''Microsoft's Bill Gates will help Turkey in the construction of the technology valley.''
Noting that Turkey has reached 45 billion USD in investments as of 2004, Erdogan added that sooner or later Europe will invite new, fresh Turkish brain power into the union.
(SOL-A֩
2005-05-05