LISBON (AA) - Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has indicated that it is both Turkey's and Portugal's goal to make the Mediterranean region a region of peace, cooperation and prosperity. ''Turkey and Portugal act together as Europeans and Mediterranean countries,'' stated Sezer.
President Sezer met the Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio today. Sezer and Sampaio held a press conference after their meeting.
''The relations between Turkey and Portugal are excellent. Mr. Sampaio's visit to Turkey two years ago contributed greatly to the improvement and development of relations,'' told Sezer.
Sezer indicated that he discussed the issue of Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU), the end of international isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, developments in the Middle East and Iraq as well as other international topics. ''We are thankful to Portugal for its support of Turkish membership to the EU,'' stressed Sezer.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese President Sampaio has commented that Turkey's membership in the EU is important for Portugal. ''The EU strengthens ties between our two countries. We are pleased with the current status of our relations. The trade volume between Turkey and Portugal has risen to a level of 5 million Euro,'' stated Sampaio.
Sampaio mentioned that the Turks have made some important reforms. ''Regardless of the outcome of referendum in Europe, entry negotiations with Turkey will begin in October, 2005. Turkey has taken some key steps in Cyprus. Portugal will continue to support Turkey,'' expressed Sampaio.
Sampaio added that they also discussed the issues of Middle East, Israel, Palestine and Iraq with Sezer.
2005-05-10