AFR Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen to meet leader of the Turkish AKP Tayyip Erdogan

26.11.02

On Tuesday 26 November 2002, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen is to meet leader of the Turkish AK Party Tayyip Erdogan.

Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Per Stig Møller will also take part in the meeting.

In connection with the visit, the Prime Minister states:

”The Turkish election on 3 November 2002 gave a considerable victory to the AKP.

Mr Tayyip Erdogan was prevented from running in the Turkish election and is therefore not part of the new Turkish Government. Mr Tayyip Erdogan is, however, a key figure in Turkish politics.

From the Turkish side much has been done to live up to the EU requirements for initiating accession negotiations with Turkey, and the New Turkish Government has indicated that it intends to continue this work. At the concluding Summit of the Danish EU Presidency in Copenhagen on 12 and 13 December 2002, the EU is to make a decision on the next phase of Turkey's EU candidature.

On this background, I am looking forward to meeting the leader of the AKP, Mr Tayyip Erdogan.”

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The Prime Minister's meeting with Mr Tayyip Erdogan will take place between 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM in Eigtveds Pakhus, Asiatisk Plads 2, 1448 Copenhagen K.

There will be a joint press conference at 1:00 PM in Room III.

There will furthermore be a photo opportunity with connection with the Prime Minister's reception of Mr Tayyip Erdogan at 12:00 noon at the entrance of Eigtveds Pakhus and at the beginning of the meeting at approximately 12:05 PM in salon A (pool for the latter, please contact Ms Lisbet Rubinstein, +45 33 92 08 41).

Press cards must be visible at all times.

Contact information Head of Section Jesper Fersløv Andersen Phone no.: +45 33 92 22 35.