Turkish Forum

Category: Latvia

  • Berzins thanks Turkey for supporting Latvia’s Euro-Atlantic integration

    Berzins thanks Turkey for supporting Latvia’s Euro-Atlantic integration

    In his address during yesterday’s official dinner in honor of visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Latvian President Andris Berzins thanked Turkey for supporting Latvia’s Euro-Atlantic integration after the restoration of Latvia’s independence, the Presidential Press Service informed LETA.

    “We will always remember that Turkey never recognized Latvia’s incorporation into the Soviet Union. We are also most thankful for your support for Latvia’s Euro-Atlantic integration after the restoration of our country’s independence. Today, too, we feel Turkey’s friendship as it takes part in the Air Policing Mission of the Baltic airspace,” said Berzins.

    “Our country, in turn, firmly supports Turkey’s integration into the European Union. I am certain that the enlargement of the European Union offers the best response to the challenges that are created by globalization and the financial crisis,” added Berzins.

    “Our excellent bilateral relations also involve intense economic partnerships. Trade turnover between our countries has quintupled over the past five years, and this shows mutual interest and profitability of our entrepreneurs and sustainable business contacts,” explained the Latvian president.

    “Several major Turkish companies are already present in Latvia. “Gama Holding” is reconstructing the Riga second thermoelectric power station, while “Havas” provides land services at the Riga International Airport. I hope that other leading Turkish companies will follow their example and that small and medium entrepreneurs, too, will be increasingly interested in developing their projects in Latvia,” pointed out Berzins.

    “Political dialogue and economic statistics, however, are not the only indicators of our relationship. The people of our countries are drawing closer together in a variety of areas. This is seen in an increasing number of exchange students and in intensified cooperation among our universities. Turkey’s hospitality, millennia of cultural heritage and lovely environment have attracted tourists from Latvia for many years,” emphasized the Latvian president.

  • If EU bid fails, Turkey will go to Disneyland

    If EU bid fails, Turkey will go to Disneyland

    RIGA – Anatolia News Agency

    Latvian President Andris Berzins (L) shakes hand with Turkey’s EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış as they met yesterday in the Latvian capital of Riga. AA photo
    Latvian President Andris Berzins (L) shakes hand with Turkey’s EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış as they met yesterday in the Latvian capital of Riga. AA photo

    Turkey will join Disneyland if the European Union does not accept it as a member in the end, EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bağış said yesterday in Latvia, responding to a student’s question with a joke.

    “Don’t go to the one in Europe, it is worse [compared to the Disneyland parks in America],” said Political Science Professor Daunis Aures of Latvia University.

    Delivering a speech at the University of Latvia on the EU membership process, Bağış said the EU was not only an economic and political union but also a peace project.

    “Thus a peace union should not have geographical borders,” he said. “The EU should keep its doors open to every country that believes in democracy and peace and was ready to contribute to those values. The EU, which was a continental peace project, would be a global one with Turkey’s accession.”

    He said Turkey’s EU bid would speed up with the work being done on a new civil constitution. He also said Europe should have more effective solidarity with Turkey in the fight against terrorism because the outlawed Kurdistan Wokers’ Party (PKK) controls organized crime networks and is also a threat to Europe.

    During his visit to Latvia, Bağış conveyed Turkish President Abdullah Gül’s message to Latvian President Andris Berzins as they met yesterday in the Latvian capital of Riga. Bağış thanked Latvia for its support of Turkey’s EU membership bid.

    “While Turkey’s need for the EU declined, the EU was in growing need of Turkey. When there is a balance of mutual need, Turkey would become a member of the union,” Bağış said yesterday at a joint press conference following a meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics.

    “I see no reason why Turkey should not become a member. Reasons that support Turkish membership are more than those that oppose membership. I am confident that Turkey’s EU process will end with success,” Rinkevics said.

    “We extend full support to Turkey and to the opening of more chapters in entry negotiations, primarily the one on energy. Our economic relations with Turkey are growing. We have taken a decision to boost bilateral ties and dialogue. Latvia is with Turkey in counter-terrorism.”

    Yesterday marked the 73rd anniversary of modern Turkey founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s death. Bağış said Atatürk foresaw a body like the EU. Atatürk was a prominent leader who mentioned a body resembling today’s EU 20 to 30 years before its establishment. Atatürk greatly contributed to the foundation of a Balkan Pact, and he was hoping that this pact was going to enlarge and become the EU of today, Bağış said.