Walter: EU needs Turkey more than Turkey needs EU

Culture and Tourism Minister Omer Celik met with Robert Walter Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. As Walter defined Turkey as the greatest friend of EU, Celik said that if Turkey had been an EU member, the EU would have obviously become an effective global power with more voice in the countries which experience the Arab Spring and even in the entire Middle East. Celik stressed that Turkey's presence would make substantial contributions to economies of the EU which are suffering a crisis. Celik added that Turkey as an EU member would become the greatest supporter of the Civilizations of Alliance Project and the world peace in a wider perspective. For his part, Walter said that he believed the EU needs Turkey more than Turkey needs the EU.