Bagis: "EU membership is Turkey's strategic goal"

Chief Negotiator for European Union talks Egemen Bagis yesterday said that he considers Turkey's EU membership a strategic goal to upgrade the living standards of Turkish people. Bagis said that according to figures of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Turkey has the world's fastest-growing economy behind only China and India. "Turkey has a dynamic and well-educated labor force," he said. "It is a country in negotiations with the EU and already a member of NATO and OECD. The country is also improving its relations with the East and the West." Citing Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's push to streamline visas, Bagis said, "We lifted visa procedures with more than 20 countries. Visa should also be lifted between Turkey and EU member states. We are continuing our efforts and are determined to conclude the matter." On Erdogan's visit to Greece set to begin tomorrow, Bagis said Turkey and Greece are neighboring countries and are cooperating for in Turkey's EU accession process. It is high time for Turkey and Greece to work together for a bright future, he added.