DUBLIN
Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said that Ireland's EU term presidency that would start as of January 1, 2013 would be a historical turning point in regard to Turkey-EU relations.
Bagis, within scope of his official visit to Dublin, the capital of Ireland, gave a speech on "the new difficulties facing Europe and Turkey" at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
Stating that he was very hopeful about Ireland's EU term presidency, Bagis said, "We hope Ireland to move on from the founding principles of the EU. We need Ireland's creativity. Ireland's presidency will be a historical turning point."
Mentioning Turkey's economic potential and young population, Bagis said that Turkey was Europe's fastest growing and the world's third fastest growing economy. He also said the EU would contribute to Turkey as well.
