Oomen-Rujiten: Turkey-EU cooperation can only yield fruit

European Parliament rapporteur on Turkey Ria Oomen-Ruijten has said cooperation between the 27-member European Union and candidate Turkey is likely to serve the interests of all parties involved. Speaking at a conference organized by the European-Turkish Business Confederation (UNITEE) at the EP in Brussels on Monday, the Dutch parliamentarian emphasized Turkey's potential as a valuable asset for the EU. "In my opinion, Turkey has a highly strategic role. It is so in the fields of both security and energy. The cooperation between the EU and Turkey can only yield fruits," she said. The conference, titled "Europe's Gateway to the East: Can Turkey become a Trade-Hub between Europe and Asia?," also featured Turkey's permanent representative to the EU Ambassador Selim Yenel, Fujitsu Technology Solutions Vice President Satoru Hayashi and Sukru Masmas, CEO of the Life and Garden horticultural company based in the Netherlands, as well as UNITEE President Adem Kumcu as speakers.