Swedish FM Bildt: "Europe needs Turkey"

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt yesterday said that Europe needs Turkey in order to exert its authority in the world. In an interview with French daily Le Figaro, Bildt stated that the European Union would need Turkey's economic dynamism and demographic structure in the future, adding, "Approaching Turkey is necessary for Europe's strategic interest." He also said that Turkey's accession would be an important factor to provide EU's peace with the Islam world.