EU spokesperson: "Turkey's active foreign policy doesn't contradict its EU accession process"

An European Union spokesperson yesterday said there is no contradiction between Turkey's active foreign policy and its progress towards full EU membership. Angela Filote, spokeswoman for the European Union commissioner for enlargement, said she sees no discrepancy between Turkey's active foreign policy and its advancement towards full EU membership. Stating that Turkey's policy of zero problems with neighboring countries and its efforts to develop regional cooperation carry great importance for the EU as well, Filote said, "Ensuring stability in that region will also help the EU's stability." On Turkey's accession negotiations with the Union, she urged Turkey to complete all the required reforms. Underlining Turkey's importance for the 27-member bloc, Filote added, "The reforms undertaken by Turkey are important not only for the EU but also Turkey itself."