Gul: Turkey Can Play A Key Role In The E.U.'s New Neighborhood Policy

ATHENS - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Thursday, ''Turkey, which has a unique geographical position, can play a key role in the European Union's (EU) new neighborhood policy.''
Speaking at the European Conference in Greek capital Athens, Gul expressed his satisfaction over the conference's turning into a broad forum.
He stressed that the conference had turned into a platform bringing together European nations, who shared the same values.
Describing the EU's enlargement process as a step aiming at removing the separation lines in Europe, Gul said that such a movement had given some responsibilities to the EU.
''The EU should act with a vision to create a tie of confidence among the neighboring countries with its enlargement process,'' he said.
Noting that the Union had had good relations with all its neighboring countries, Gul stressed that Turkey could make a contribution to the EU by playing a key role in the new neighborhood relations due to its unique geographical position.
Pointing out that Turkey has had historical, geographical and cultural ties both with the EU and the neighbors of the EU, Gul added, ''Turkey is determined to contribute to stability, prosperity and security of a larger Europe.''
(UK-AY) 17.04.2003