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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.

These political movements flourish on the margins of Turkish society because of poverty and because of the people's feeling that they are not being represented.

Turkey wants a policy of engagement exactly like President Obama's new approach. Policy of engagement, less confrontation, less tense attitude, especially in the region.

I don't much care whether rural Anatolians or Istanbul secularists take power. I'm not close to any of them. What I care about is respect for the individual.

It is beneficial for Turkish democracy that not all religious conservatives are united under one banner.

There's been quite a clear upswing in nationalist sentiments. Everyone is talking about it, in Turkey as well.

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

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

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

Turkey shares Europe's fundamental values of democracy and the rule of law.