Fischer: Turkey Is A Strategic Partner For Europe

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said; The EU membership of Turkey is very important for common strategic interests. Fischer, who will come to Ankara today, said that giving an EU perspective to Turkey was of central importance in the 21st century for the security of both Turkey and Europe. Fischer said; Turkey is a strategic partner for Europe and for us. She is directed towards Europe with her internal modernization, which started in the era of Ataturk. Turkey was promised in 1963 that the doors of Europe were open to her. Konrad Adenauer was holding the power at the time. Europe preserved this promise for years… The strategic importance of Turkey has become even more salient since the September 11 incident. Giving a European perspective to Turkey was of central importance in the 21st century for the security of both Turkey and Europe. Of course there are a series of problems to be solved. However, these can be solved with mutual willingness and confidence.According to Fischer, if Turkey, that was built on Islam culture, was improved in a way to create a democratic country in line with European criteria, then it would be one of the biggest gains against terrorism in the 21st century. Fischer said that Germany appreciated the efforts and development of Turkey and she would continue to support her.Â