Casini: Turkey bound to be EU member

Indicating that he believed in the necessity of Turkey becoming an EU member, Casini said the EU and Turkey were dependent on each other in several respects and that the EU had to determine a date for accession talks in the near future, despite the long path that still awaited Turkey.

Stating that a special relationship existed between Italy and Turkey and that relations between the two governments were at their highest level, Casini said he was an active supporter of the EU, noting that the essential values governing the EU were "interreligious and interracial dialog, mutual recognition, respect and progress" despite the fact that it was the Christian Democrats who had created the bloc.

Stating that he firmly believed Turkey should become an EU member, Casini emphasized the necessity of both countries’ cooperation on global problems such as terrorism.

Commenting on Cyprus, he said: "This problem has been an issue for decades, but Turkey’s policies are commendable. Turkey’s attitude has been extremely courageous. Turkey has gone in the right direction."

Meanwhile, Arinc announced that a visit by the president of the Italian Senate was also being planned, underlining the high level of both intergovernmental and interparliamentary relations between the two countries.

Arinc urged a continuation of Rome’s promise for crucial and honest support for Turkey’s EU entry bid, extended by by Italy last year during its EU presidency.

Later on Tuesday Casini was received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.