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The easiest way to get into northern Iraq is through Turkey.

With the backdrop of its geostrategic location and historical ties with the Middle East, Turkey has an essential role to play for the stability, peace and social development of the region.

That is one of the reasons why we advocate for good relations between the two countries. Turkey understands the needs of the region.

Turkey wants to see Bashar al-Assad go and wants to kind of expand its sphere of influence into Turkey so its Ottoman glory or Ottoman past are once again project into the Syrian provinces. That's kind of what Turkey's vision is.

Turkey has worked alongside its allies from the beginning.

Turkey has a young and growing population. Until recently, this was perceived as a problem, a burden that Turkey would bring to the E.U. But it is, in fact, an asset that can help the population deficit of the E.U. and the economic growth of Turkey.

Turkey is a model of economic and social development, especially in terms of human resources and regional cooperation.

Turkey must find its place if, of course, it can heal its internal sores, and none is more malignant than the perennial Kurdish issue.

Turkey is widely envied while there are very serious troubles in the world economy.

I see Turkey's future as being in Europe, as one of many prosperous, tolerant, democratic countries.