Dutch PM discusses Turkey’s EU bid in Ankara

Turkey recently introduced many EU reforms to meet the Copenhagen criteria to start membership talks with the Union before the end of 2004. Turkey says in every occasion that it will implement these reforms in 2004.

Balkanende also met Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and State Minister Mehmet Aydin on Wednesday. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan tendered Balkenende a complimentary dinner.

Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and a delegation are also accompanying Balkanende on his Turkey visit.

Balkenende met Turkish businessmen and academics in Istanbul on Tuesday