Erdogan: EU membership, Turkey's strategic goal

Turkey's President, Recep Tayip Erdogan, said Turkey's strategic goal continues to be full membership in the European Union (BE) and that it will not allow specific circles to prevent Turkey from being respected, equal and full-fledged member of the Union, AA reports.

Full EU membership continues to be our strategic goal. In no way will we allow the circles to which we know their purpose, efforts and interiors to prevent Turkey from becoming well-deserved in the EU as a respected member, equal in the EU”, Erdoğan said at a media conference at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul before traveling to Bulgaria to participate in the EU Summit.

In his address, Erdogan stressed the hope that the summit in Bulgaria's Varna will serve for resolving problems in the region and beyond.

“On the summit will discuss previously reached agreements and implement them. EU leaders will repeat our expectations on security and regional issues, as well as expectations for intensifying the process for membership membership membership and avoiding political and artificial barriers on this side of”, Erdogan said.

“in line with our attitude, force and active role in the region and the world, we will continue talks with the EU”, the Turkish president added, stressing that anti-productive statements from several EU circles that are contrary to European principles and do not adapt to the alliance.