Spain's Zapatero reiterates support for Turkey's EU bid

Spanish Prime Minister and Alliance of Civilizations Co-Chair Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, currently in Istanbul, yesterday met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Later, at a joint press conference, Erdogan expressed his pleasure at Spain's support for Turkey's European Union bid. Stating that they discussed what could be done to accelerate Turkey's EU bid during Spain's EU term presidency, set to begin next January, he added, "Our countries have no problems between us. Our two countries' policies overlap on the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Mediterranean." For his part, Zapatero said that Spain will continue to support Turkey's EU membership. Stating that Turkey should join this "peace and cooperation process," he expressed his hopes that Turkey will meet the EU criteria. He also reiterated that Spain will always support Turkey. On the sidelines of the meting, agreements were signed between the two countries. Zapatero is set to proceed to Istanbul today to attend the Second Alliance of Civilizations Forum.