German President says Europe, Turkey "need each other"

Tags:
2010-10-22

German President Christian Wulff said Europe "needed Turkey as much as Turkey needed Europe."

In his speech at the dinner hosted by Turkish President Abdullah Gul in his honour at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, Wulff said Turkey, with its rapid economic growth, recent rapprochement with its neighbours and political initiatives in the region, was a significant gain for Europe in terms of stability in the region.

Wulff said the German-Turkish University to be opened in Istanbul tomorrow would carry forward the deep rooted cooperation between the two countries in the field of education and research.

"We can complement each other in many ways and collaborate for the solution of problems in the Middle East Caucasus and the Balkans," said Wulff.

"What amuses me the most about Turkey, is the dynamism of your country in shaping its future. Turkey is an important partner for Germany, one with self confidence. However there is yet much we can and must do to enhance the mutual understanding. Building the bridges and promoting the dialogue we aspire, through projects within the scope of the Ernst Reuter Initiative, is my personal desire and our common goal," the German President was quoted as saying.

"Turkey, with its growing weight in the world, is a very important partner for us in climate change policies, in counter-terrorism, and finance market regulation. Therefore, I shall work within my full capacity to enhance German-Turkish partnership and brotherhood," said Wulff.

Source:Europenews.Net