Deputy PM Lauds Bulgaria's Support for Turkey's EU Accession Bid

Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Işık expressed appreciation for Bulgaria's support for Turkey's full membership in the EU, Daily Sabah reported.

Addressing a large crowd at a ceremony at the Bulgarian Embassy late on Thursday, Işık said that Ankara appreciates the recent positive trend in Turkish-EU relations and he praised Bulgaria's support for Ankara in the EU accession process.

"Bulgaria supports our goal of full membership in the EU. We see the positive progress as beneficial for everyone," Işık said. He also congratulated Bulgaria for its term presidency of the Council of the EU.

Işık commented on the Turkish-Bulgarian population in Bulgaria, as well, saying that Ankara wants them to integrate into the economic, commercial, political and cultural life of Bulgaria. He also pointed to the reopening of Sveti Stefan Church in Istanbul after seven years of restoration. He said that it is "the best sign of the level our relations have reached."

The church was reopened on Jan. 7 with the attendance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Bulgarian Ambassador Nadezhda Neynsky also drew attention to the good relations between the two neighboring countries. Calling Turkey a significant partner and an ally, Neynsky said that the two governments cooperate in many areas such as energy, economy, commerce and the fight against terrorism.

Explaining that one of Bulgaria's priorities during the term presidency is relations with Turkey, she said that Sofia will seek to keep all communication channels open with Ankara.

The two countries have well-functioning relations. Borissov has recently commended Turkey for its fight against...