Turkish FM Gul Meets with Portuguese President

During their meeting, Sampio lent support for Turkey’s European Union membership bid. At December’s EU summit, a date is expected for beginning Turkey’s accession talks. Turkey’s accession process may take as long as Portugual’s, but the important thing is not to be demoralized, counseled the president. Stressing that Turkey was ready for its negotiations, Gul asked the EU to treat Ankara the same as all other candidates. The Turkish foreign minister then met with Portuguese parliamentarians and businessmen and in the late afternoon saw Jose Socrates, the opposition Socialist Party leader. After completing his contacts in Lisbon, Gul proceeded to Brussels to attend EU meetings, where he is expected to see EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen.