President of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe speaks of Turkey's achievements

The interview mainly focuses on Turkey’s achievements, and its relations with the Council of Europe. Cavusoglu commented on the key priorities and action plans that the Parliamentary Assembly has set up just before his appointment as President. In order to develop intercultural and interreligious dialogue in the countries of the Council of Europe, Cavusoglu expressed his willingness to arrange a meeting in the General Assembly that will gather religious leaders and politicians, led by Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan.

Cavusoglu said that they are working together with Secretary General Jagland. Cavusoglu stated that it is a good coincidence that  his presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly is currently taking place at the same time as the Turkish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers.

Concerning the EU and its relations with Turkey, he pointed out that there is no country that became an EU member state without first becoming a full member of the Council of Europe.He noted that the Copenhagen Political Criteria of the EU perfectly correspond with the values of the Council of Europe.

He emphasized the importance of the EU’s significant contribution to the democratization process in Turkey and according to him, Turkey will continue to establish and implement reforms.