FM Babacan: ''In 2013, Türkiye will be ready for the EU''

Dunya - At the closing ceremony of the International Education Forum held by the Turkish Education Association (TED), Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said that Türkiye is not only a European Union candidate country but also a participant country. Stating that the negotiation process which started in 2005 was continuing with hard work and the participation of many public bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Babacan said, “Over the last five months 229 meetings were held in both Ankara and Brussels to advance various chapters. In the same period, 46 visits were paid to EU countries at the level of state minister and head of government. Now the EU process is part of Türkiye’s daily work.” Babacan added, “We have no time to lose. Türkiye will declare its readiness as of 2013. Türkiye’s full membership is one of the most important peace projects of the 21st century.”