Europe Day
08.05.2010
H.E. President Abdullah Gül's message on the occasion of Europe Day is below:
"Turkey, as a member of Europe's family, has been resolutely making efforts toward accession to the E.U. since the Ankara Agreement was signed in 1963. It has gained much within this framework so far. The implementation of the Customs Union in 1995 under the Ankara Agreement, our being declared a candidate country in 1999 and our negotiation process toward full membership since 2005 are all the tangible indications of our resoluteness in the direction of our accession to the E.U.
However, I wholeheartedly believe that the most important gain we have obtained during this process is that our relations and cooperation with the E.U. have become the cornerstones in realizing the aim demonstrated by our great leader Atatürk, to get beyond the level of the modern states.
The Modern Turkish Republic has been united with her friends in the E.U., her allies and partners around the basic values and principles based upon the rule of law, human rights, social rights, the equality between men and women, free market economy and cultural diversity.
Therefore, our country's objective to be an E.U. member is not an indication of either merely a geographical belonging or some economic expectations, at all. Our aim to be a member of the E.U. is the most natural demonstration of the spirit and philosophy of the founders of our republic. Within this understanding, Turkey is among the founding members of most of the European political, economic and cultural bodies.
In today's world where comprehensive approaches are put forward towards global problems, this is why Europe Day has been adopted by the Turkish nation and this day is shared with an understanding of solidarity toward our mutual future with our European friends, allies and partners, with enthusiasm and a dynamic approach.
Within this framework, Turkey resolutely holds its aim to access to the E.U. This significant aim to which our foreign policy attaches priority is also in parallel with our nation's wish to develop in all areas and to consolidate the political, economic and social evolution process. Because a more democratic, secure and powerfulTurkey with rising life standards for our citizens is all for our national interests.
On the other hand, only when some circles in Europe can display the sagacity and courage to realize the huge gap between the Turkey in their mind and the modern Turkey with its dynamic potential can such aims be realized. Furthermore,only when they start to act with an awareness that there is a shared journey on the road to the aim can they realize the understanding that the E.U. as a political and ethical entity does not pose an objective on its own. Only when they decide to have a global vision like the founding leaders of the E.U. will they be able to discover the synergy that could be created by the construction of a mutual future by Turkey and E.U. Thus, Turkey's European character, which is a historic fact indeed, will not be confined to a narrow geography, a certain belief or culture.
Our accession to the E.U. is not an issue relying merely on Turkey's responsibility. Hence, we expect the E.U. to be loyal to its promises and to continue its constructive stance and to show its decisiveness in regard to our participation in the union.
Everyone can be sure that Turkey will display every effort to reach the aim with perseverance in the next term as well.
It should be borne in mind that when our country's accession process results in success, this will be invaluable in terms of the global role of the E.U. and its credibility and thus, the principles and values it defends can be accepted beyond the geography of Europe. Turkey will continue fulfilling her responsibilities for the purpose of building our mutual future together.
In the belief that the natural flow of history and justice will require Turkey's membership to the E.U. when we fulfill the necessary criteria, I celebrate Europe Day ,which represents our mutual aims and values."
"Turkey, as a member of Europe's family, has been resolutely making efforts toward accession to the E.U. since the Ankara Agreement was signed in 1963. It has gained much within this framework so far. The implementation of the Customs Union in 1995 under the Ankara Agreement, our being declared a candidate country in 1999 and our negotiation process toward full membership since 2005 are all the tangible indications of our resoluteness in the direction of our accession to the E.U.
However, I wholeheartedly believe that the most important gain we have obtained during this process is that our relations and cooperation with the E.U. have become the cornerstones in realizing the aim demonstrated by our great leader Atatürk, to get beyond the level of the modern states.
The Modern Turkish Republic has been united with her friends in the E.U., her allies and partners around the basic values and principles based upon the rule of law, human rights, social rights, the equality between men and women, free market economy and cultural diversity.
Therefore, our country's objective to be an E.U. member is not an indication of either merely a geographical belonging or some economic expectations, at all. Our aim to be a member of the E.U. is the most natural demonstration of the spirit and philosophy of the founders of our republic. Within this understanding, Turkey is among the founding members of most of the European political, economic and cultural bodies.
In today's world where comprehensive approaches are put forward towards global problems, this is why Europe Day has been adopted by the Turkish nation and this day is shared with an understanding of solidarity toward our mutual future with our European friends, allies and partners, with enthusiasm and a dynamic approach.
Within this framework, Turkey resolutely holds its aim to access to the E.U. This significant aim to which our foreign policy attaches priority is also in parallel with our nation's wish to develop in all areas and to consolidate the political, economic and social evolution process. Because a more democratic, secure and powerfulTurkey with rising life standards for our citizens is all for our national interests.
On the other hand, only when some circles in Europe can display the sagacity and courage to realize the huge gap between the Turkey in their mind and the modern Turkey with its dynamic potential can such aims be realized. Furthermore,only when they start to act with an awareness that there is a shared journey on the road to the aim can they realize the understanding that the E.U. as a political and ethical entity does not pose an objective on its own. Only when they decide to have a global vision like the founding leaders of the E.U. will they be able to discover the synergy that could be created by the construction of a mutual future by Turkey and E.U. Thus, Turkey's European character, which is a historic fact indeed, will not be confined to a narrow geography, a certain belief or culture.
Our accession to the E.U. is not an issue relying merely on Turkey's responsibility. Hence, we expect the E.U. to be loyal to its promises and to continue its constructive stance and to show its decisiveness in regard to our participation in the union.
Everyone can be sure that Turkey will display every effort to reach the aim with perseverance in the next term as well.
It should be borne in mind that when our country's accession process results in success, this will be invaluable in terms of the global role of the E.U. and its credibility and thus, the principles and values it defends can be accepted beyond the geography of Europe. Turkey will continue fulfilling her responsibilities for the purpose of building our mutual future together.
In the belief that the natural flow of history and justice will require Turkey's membership to the E.U. when we fulfill the necessary criteria, I celebrate Europe Day ,which represents our mutual aims and values."
