Davutoglu: Europe can overcome problems if it joins hands with Turkey

Europe is losing fast its geo-strategical significance and economic dynamism but it can overcome its problems if it unites forces with Turkey despite obstacles in Ankara's bid to join the European Union, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Sunday. "The picture of Europe in our mind is that of a Europe that has regained its geo-political standing. It can do that through us. We envision a Europe that has regained its economic dynamism, something which it can do through us. This is the Europe we want," Davutoglu said in a speech delivered during a meeting hosted by Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) in Istanbul. "Today's Europe is the one that loses its geo-political significance, economic dynamism that has been ageing fast and losing its political clout." Davutoglu said as Europe goes through a financial crisis, there is no way Turkey would not be affected by it. "Just as we see ourselves as an inalienable element of the Europe's past, we also see ourselves as an inalienable element of Europe's future. We are looking at Europe from within, not from outside," he said. "We have a responsibility to come up with a 'Turkish' solution to the economic crisis in Europe. We don't say 'they said no to us, so let them pay the price," Davutoglu also said, apparently referring to objections within Europe to Turkey's EU membership. The foreign minister also touched on Sunni-Shiite tensions in the Middle East and reiterated that Turkey will not allow a "new cold war" to break out in the region. "We do not want polarization along Sunni-Shiite, Arab-Iranian, pro-status quo-anti-status quo differences. Therefore, we will support every project towards rebuilding of the economy and strengthening of democracy," said Davutoglu.