LISBON - "Portugal has once more reiterated its support to Turkey`s EU membership bid," said Turkish State Minister and EU chief negotiator Ali Babacan.
After meeting Portuguese State Secretary for EU Affairs Manuel Lobo Antunes, Babacan said, "Turkey and Portugal are the two edges of Europe. Portugal opens EU`s doors to Latin America, and Turkey to Central Asia and Middle East."
"This is a long and challenging process. Negotiations will make Turkey a freer, more democratic and social country which respects human rights," he indicated when commenting on the membership process.
On Pope Benedict XVI`s visit to Turkey at the end of November, Babacan commented, "Turkey is a country of dialogue among cultures, religions and civilizations. When you go to Istanbul, you can see a mosque, church and synagogue beside each other. And, our President invited the Pope to Turkey, and he will be our guest."
On the other hand, Antunes said, "we are optimistic that Turkey will become an EU member one day."
Antunes noted that problems faced during negotiations can be overcome with mutual compromise, and indicated that "everybody should get on the same ship and undertake responsibilities" when talking about Cyprus problem.
Babacan will depart from Lisbon later today.