"Turkey is a European country"

(SABAH)

Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu held a joint press conference after meeting one on one with Sweden's Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

Responding to criticism from the opposition in regards to the European Commission's Prevention of Violence Against Women Agreement, Davutoğlu stated.

"This is a contribution by Turkey to the European Commission and the international community. Any form of delay is not possible, we will be acting fast."

Davutoğlu also responded to news reports that dialogue between Prime Minister Erdoğan and U.S. President Obama was a 'showdown', by noting that the meeting was closed to the press and therefore it was not right to make any evaluations on the matter.

Davutoğlu also mentioned that he discussed Cyprus negotiations with Bildt and stated that he believed Bildt's experience in crises would provide significant contributions.

Sweden's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bildt stated, "The EU has two important strategic partners; one is the United States and the other is Turkey. The United States is a different sort of partner form Turkey, they are not candidates nor in Europe. However, Turkey is a European country."