ANKARA
Turkey's European Union Minister and chief negotiator for accession talks Egemen Bagis attended Tuesday a ceremony to mark the 95th anniversary of the founding of Estonia in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bagis called on EU leaders to extend support to Turkey's membership process, adding that Estonia was a strong supporter of Ankara's accession bid.
"When Turkey received a date to start accession negotiations, we were very proud. Since then, Estonia has been very supportive of our EU mission. But there is one thing very interesting. Of the leaders who were in the European Council for the last 7 years, there are only two prime ministers who are still at the EU Council. These two leaders are prime ministers of Luxembourg and Estonia. It is no coincidence that they are both very pro-Turkey/EU leaders. So I have a message from the Estonian National Day in Ankara to European leaders: If you want to survive politically, you'd better learn from Estonia," Bagis told the ceremony.
The Turkish also said "relations between Turkey and Estonia have always been great. We are very honored with your friendship and solidarity. I have no doubt that the relationship will only get better."
