Swedish government adopts new strategy for Turkey ties

The Swedish government adopted a new strategy for development cooperation with Turkey for the period 2010-2013.

"Turkey's future membership of the EU remains the strongest incentive for further democratic reforms in the country. Through this new strategy, Sweden is strengthening its support to the development of closer relations between Turkey and the EU. The measures in this strategy will be an important contribution to the reform efforts needed for Turkey to fully meet the criteria for EU membership, particularly within such areas as democracy, human rights and gender equality," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

"Turkey is an important partner for Sweden in many areas, and Turkish EU membership is strategically important for the EU. Several challenges remain in the accession process, with a further need for reform in such areas as public administration and the legal system.

Sweden is in a position to provide support in connection with these needs and can help strengthen civil society by supporting organisations working for the rights of minorities and other groups in need," continues Carlsson.

Sweden's broad commitment to Turkey also includes academic cooperation administered by the Swedish Institute. Grant programmes provide Turkish students with the opportunity to study human rights and European studies in Sweden. Swedish students are also given the opportunity to conduct 'minor field studies' in Turkey.


/World Bulletin/