The transformation of the European Union into global force is possible only if membership in it is provided to Turkey, and Ankara still hopes to come to this. Such an opinion expressed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Mevlyut Chavushoglu in the column posted on Sunday in the French newspaper L’Opinion.
“The relationship between Turkey and the EU should not be hostages of the maximalist and nationalist ambitions of several stubborn member states. The EU will become a global force only under the condition of Turkish membership,” the head of Turkish diplomacy was written. He stressed that his country was still “committed to the idea of joining the EU and intends to continue to” contribute to the development and protection of the European values that it shares with France. “
Chavushoglu expressed the hope that France would be therefore “locomotive on the path of rapprochement” between Ankara and Brussels and “will contribute to progress that benefits as an EU and bilateral relations” with Paris. He admitted that recently a relationship between Paris and Ankara was survived to exacerbate tensions, but noted that the contact between the presidents of the two states “makes it possible to strengthen communication again.” The visit of the Minister to Paris, which will take place on Monday, according to him, must emphasize these aspirations.
“We repeat perfectly clearly that Turkey has never had the desire to interfere in the affairs of France,” said Chavushoglu, adding that Ankara strongly supports the integration of Turkish migrants to French society. Towing the topic of Turkish Imams and Turkish teachers, he stressed that they always performed on the side of the French authorities and never contributed to the radicalization of citizens.