ISTANBUL - Foreign Minister George Papendreou of Greece said on Thursday, ''we want to see Turkey in the European Union (EU). Greece will cooperate with Turkey in its EU full membership process.''
Speaking at the Fifth Eurasia Economy Summit in Istanbul, Papendreou said, ''although Greece does not take place in the geography of Eurasia, it has very important historical ties with Eurasian countries. Therefore, we attribute great importance to the equation of the EU and Eurasia.''
''Following the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, Central Asia and Eurasia region have moved to the center of the international relations. This region has become focal point of a new power balance. Concepts of democratization and security have come to the forefront after the September 11 attacks. Increase of democratic institutions is of great importance for a stable growth,'' he said.
Papendreou stressed that international communities should come together to create a new vision, and to accelerate transition into market economy and democratization.
Greek Foreign Minister Papendreou stressed that they would attribute great importance to relations between the EU and Eurasia, and to technical aid to Eurasia region during Greece's EU term precidency.
''September 11 events have also revealed the dark sides of globalization process. Consequently, human smuggling, proper use of natural resources and development of cooperation have taken their place on the world's agenda. During its term precidency, Greece will strengthen cooperation and partnership agreements with regional countries. Also, Greece will cooperate with Central Asia within the framework of the programme to prevent clashes. We should increase presence of the EU representation in Central Asia,'' he said.
Papendreou underlined importance of Turkey-Greece relations in regard to relations between Europe and Eurasia.
''Despite problems like the Cyprus question which we could not resolved yet, an important progress has been recorded in relations between Turkey and Greece recently. These relations should be further improved,'' he said.
Papendreou thanked State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem for their support to the process between the two countries.
Recalling that Greece would undertake term precidency of the EU soon, Papendreou said, ''during our term precidency, we will further improve our relations with Turkey. Also, we will do our utmost to settle stability in the region.''
Noting that Turkey officially became a candidate to the EU in 1999, Papendreou said, ''Greece took a very important decision then. Greece thought that Turkey should become a full member of the EU. Now, we continue to defend the same idea. We want to assist Turkey in taking its place in the EU. We will support Turkey in its EU full membership process. It is a philosophy to be a European. Because, the EU is a community of values.''
Stressing that there were important cooperation opportunities in fields of energy, transportation, telecommunications and tourism between Turkey and Greece, Papandreou said, ''we hope that cooperation would be developed in the region, and Turkey and Greece would launch joint enterprises.''
Papandreou added, ''we want to see Turkey in the EU. Greece will cooperate with Turkey in its EU full membership process. We are aware of Turkey's strategical importance in the region.''