Friday, 9 October 2009
Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Friday Turkey may not wish to join the EU like Norway after concluding negotiation process. President Gul said the EU should back Turkey go on its path towards the EU and to reach EU standards, while relaying a message to France that is opposing to Turkey's EU membership.
"If the negotiation process is completed successfully, French and Austrian people will resort to referendum and they will either say 'yes' or 'no' to Turkey. Maybe Turkey of that time may say 'no' to EU and prefer to go on its own path," Gul said during a conference on "French-Turkish Partnership: Being Stronger in Europe and the World."
Gul said whether or not to join or refuse the EU was a matter to be discussed after the process ended. "Therefore let us altogether see and discuss what we can do now," Gul said.
President Gul referred to rooted relations between Turkey and France, indicating that Turks were in the middle of Europe for centuries.
Gul said, "although actual 11 billion euro trade volume between Turkey and France is pleasing, it has potential to rise 15-20 billion euro in a short time."
"Turkey has always embraced French companies. Around 700 French companies are doing business in Turkey," Gul said pointing to the endeavors of the government on the matter. Gul said Turkey was an important market and source of employment for France.
"Durability of Turkish economy is once again proved in the global crisis. Of course like every country, Turkey was also affected. European institutions say Turkey would grow 4 percent next year," he added.
President Gul said Turkey's strongness is in the benefit of France. "You should be happy over this. You would like a strong partner. I think the things you will do with a weak partner are limited."
Referring to Turkey's giant potential, Gul said, "don't only think of Turkey with its own 71 million population. Turkey has a vast hinterland. You may reach to Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, Russia from here. Turkey has a very exclusive economic and cultural relations."
"Turkey's importance in energy will rise gradually," President Gul said.
Gul said, "although economic relations between Turkey and France are strong, it does not reflect real potential. Turkey has revealed long before its intention to make cooperation with France in nuclear energy."
