Czech Republic among countries fully supporting Turkey's EU membership, says Czech President

ANKARA (A.A) - Czech Republic's President Vaclav Klaus said Tuesday that his country was among those that fully supported Turkey's European Union (EU) membership. Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in Ankara on Tuesday, Klaus said that "when you consider that Turkey has been a candidate since 1959, the Turks are really individuals with patience. I could not be so patient myself". The last time I was in Turkey was six years ago. We realize Turkey's progress made since then and we appreciate such development. The developments in Turkey have been welcomed with appreciation from the global community, Klaus stressed. As the Czech Republic, we want to give a strong message that we intend to promote our relations with Turkey in political and foreign policy issues, security and defense issues and as NATO allies and partners, Klaus underlined. We want to hold the most fruitful meetings during our three day stay in Turkey. I am being accompanied by a delegation of businesspeople considered to be the biggest ever that accompanies a Czech president and this shows the importance we attach to Turkey, Klaus said. Touching on Turkey's EU membership, Klaus said that the financial problems in the Euro zone would not be an issue that blocks Turkey's EU membership. On the contrary, problems in the Euro zone are the reasons for Turkish membership. Europe has to wake up, move and change. Europe will shake itself with the accession of a large country as Turkey, Klaus noted. On the issue of Syria, Klaus said that the issue must be resolved within the region.