Turkey, Germany, and Hungary give support for 2010 ECOC

Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan released a joint statement on behalf of Turkey, Germany and Hungary yesterday following a meeting with representatives from the three countries at Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace. Toptan said the three countries had reiterated their commitment and support for the 2010 European Capital of Culture (ECOC) project. The ECOC is a title designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which a city is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and development. Istanbul was recently awarded ECOC status for 2010, along with Essen, Germany and Pécs, Hungary. Toptan said Turkey had brought a new dimension to its cooperation with the EU through the 2010 ECOC project, also praising improving inter-parliamentary relations with Germany and Hungary. Toptan later accompanied the Turkish, German and Hungarian delegations as they saw an exhibit at the palace on friendly relations between the three countries. In other news, asked about last week's major Cabinet reshuffle, Toptan yesterday said, "In politics, these kinds of changes always bring a new excitement and mark a new beginning." He wished success to the new Cabinet members, whom he praised as experienced, and added that the reshuffle did not mean the displaced ministers had failed. Toptan also expressed hope that Turkey would benefit from the changes.