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Turkey's economy is powerful enough to tackle tough times.

The most important problem that Turkey has is education.

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

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.

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.

Turkey is going through an incredible economic, political and social transformation. What is most important is that Turkey has been the owner of this transformation. Ownership has been the key to success.

I tell foreign companies that come here... 'Don't see Turkey as a country of 770,000 sq km and $800bn gross domestic product. This country has the potential to do so much business in the surrounding countries.'

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

Those looking from Europe see Turkey as an economic success, whereas others from the Middle East see Turkey as a democratic success.

Turkey has worked alongside its allies from the beginning.