Sabanci Holding chairperson says Turkey's membership to turn EU into global power

 
ESSEN (A.A) - July 6, 2011 - Chairperson Guler Sabanci of Turkey's Sabanci Holding said on Wednesday that Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU) would turn the union into a global power.
Speaking at a conference held in the German city of Essen on the occasion of the signing of a cooperation agreement between Sabanci University's Istanbul Policy Center and the German Stiftung Mercator, Sabanci commented on Turkey's EU process.
Pointing to the remarkable contributions Turkey's membership would make to the union, Sabanci said, "EU has to decide whether it wants to be regional or global power".
Describing Turkey as Europe's "energy bridge", Sabanci said the partnership to be established between Turkey and the union would be of great importance for future generations.
Sabanci also said the current problems between Turkey and EU stemmed from the economic crisis of 2008, adding that such crisis should be resolved as soon as possible.
The chairperson noted that Turkey's developing relations with Russia and the Middle East would not have any negative effects on its relationship with the union, on the contrary, Turkey's position as a bridge would provide Europe with new opportunities.
Commenting on the latest developments in the Middle East as well, Sabanci said Turkey set an example in terms of democratization for Arab countries.