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

Turkey has worked alongside its allies from the beginning.

Turkey is immersed in a profound social and political conflict between secularists, who have been in power since the republic was founded, and an insurgent Islamic-based movement that seeks to increase the role of religion in public life.

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

Regardless of our ambitions to become part of the E.U., we have to keep in mind that Turkey is also a very strong voice that can represent the needs of our region in wider terms in global platforms.

We are convinced that Turkey would be a useful member of the European Union.

Northern Iraq has become, economically, a natural extension of Turkey.

When we see a lack of leadership coming from the White House, that's what brings leaders in Turkey to attack Israel the way they do. When we see a lack of leadership coming from the White House, that's why we see the leader of Iran... continuing to build the nuclear reactors.

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