Turkish prime minister in Prague

Prime Minister Petr Nečas has expressed support for Turkey’s bid to join the EU. Following talks with the visiting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mr. Nečas said Prague fully supported Ankara’s ambition to become a fully-fledged member of the alliance on condition that Turkey fulfills the respective admission criteria. The Turkish prime minister welcomed the stand saying Turkey had been standing outside EU gates for more than 50 years and that the delaying of its admission further was unforgivable. This was in reference to the view of some EU members that as a Muslim country Turkey should be offered a close partnership rather that fully-fledged membership.

Talks between the two heads of government also covered business and security matters, among others the role of the Czech armed forces in helping to guard the Turkish border against possible attacks from Syria.