Turkish Foreign Minister to Answer Questions

Turkish Foreign Minister to Answer Questions at Oireachtas European Affairs Committee


10 March 2010

Leading Turkish Government Minister, Mr Ahmet Davuto lu will attend a meeting of the Oireachtas European Affairs Committee, tomorrow, (11th) at 3 pm in Committee Room 2.

Mr Davuto lu is the Turkish Foreign Minister and has been central to the Turkish government’s role in attempting to broker peace in the Middle East. He was a particularly significant player on behalf of the Turkish government during the diplomatic effort for the settlement of 2008 Israel–Gaza conflict.

Mr Davuto lu has also played a central role in promoting stability in the Western Balkans. Turkey is key partner together with the EU in assisting this region as it moves towards greater European integration.

The Foreign Minister is a strong advocate of Turkish membership of the European Union. He will brief the Committee on the current state of negotiations with the EU and the reform process underway in Turkey as it aligns itself with EU norms.

Committee Chairman, Bernard Durkan TD said;
“The Committee is looking forward to a robust exchange of views with Mr Davuto lu. He is seen as the driving force behind Turkish foreign policy and has become a central figure in Middle East peace initiative.

Significantly, Turkey, due to its strategic location has become a significant player in both the Middle East and Balkan politics. The purpose of tomorrow’s meeting is to get an up to date picture on the latest developments in these often troubled regions.

The Committee is also keen to discuss the current state of affairs in relation to Turkey’s application for EU membership and to hear how Turkey plans to address some of the impediments that currently exist in the ongoing negotiations.”

The Committee can be viewed on line at: http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o