EP official says supports opening of energy chapter in Turkey's bid

World Bulletin
Thursday, 22 January 2009

Turkish PM Erdogan received the president of the Socialist Group at the European Parliament and an accompanying delegation.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Thursday Martin Schulz, the president of the Socialist Group at the European Parliament and an accompanying delegation in Ankara.

Erdogan's meeting with Schulz took place at the Prime Ministry Central Building and lasted close to one hour.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Erdogan, Martin Schulz said that he met Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan and State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bagis.

We exchanged viewpoints on current issues during our talks in Ankara on Thursday, Schulz said.

We are pleased with the Turkish government's efforts to help Turkey's EU policy gain momentum, Schulz said.

The appointment of Egemen Bagis as Turkey's Chief Negotiator is an indication of how much importance the Turkish government attaches to its EU process, Schulz said.

We discussed current issues pertaining to energy and support the opening of energy chapter in Turkey's entry negotiations, Schulz said.

We also discussed the issue of Cyprus and received information on the Turkish government's reform projects and steps taken regarding Cyprus, Schulz said.

"Turkey must continue with its reform policies in order to become an EU member. The EU, on its part, must carry reforms further to enable its enlargement," Schulz also said.