WASHINGTON (AA) - Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said, ''Turkey considers itself as a country that has an important role against difficulties of 21st century in international order.''
''We have the responsibility to contribute to our region positively,'' he added.
Taking the floor at annual meeting of American-Turkish Council (ATC) in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, Gul said, ''when today's threats and opportunities are considered, Turkey has a central position which will set the future in the middle of these developments.''
Mentioning Turkey's contributions to Afghanistan and Iraq, Gul said, ''Turkey's Iraq policy is the resettlement of peace and stability. Preservation of Iraq's territorial and political integrity is very important for Turkey. All parts of Iraq should exert efforts for well-being of the country.''
Stressing the importance of 2005 year for Iraq, Gul said, ''infrastructure of Iraq's political system will be established in 2005.''
Gul said, ''the Middle East has been going through a critical period. Besides developments in Iraq, Arab-Israel clash and reform process in the region will be basic factors for the future of the region.''
''Turkey has taken steps to develop its relations with Israel. There have been mutual visits in recent period,'' said Gul.
''We do not claim that Turkey is a model for the countries in the region, but I believe that Turkish example is important. Turkey may be a source of inspiration for countries which want democratization and modernization.''
Gul said, ''Turkey's EU membership will contribute to its efforts for a positive role in the region. An EU member Turkey will be stronger and more effective in the region and in a broader area. The United States will also see the benefits of having a strong partner that exerts efforts for same targets.''
Gul also thanked the United States for its support to Turkey's EU membership so far.
2005-06-07