Remarks by the President in Meeting with the Chairman of Turkey's AK Party
1:15 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Nr. Chairman, welcome to the home of one of your
country's best friends and allies. We're impressed by the leadership
-- your leadership and your party's strong victory. We thank you very
much for your commitment to democracy and freedom.
We join you, side by side, in your desire to become a member of the
European Union. We appreciate your friendship in NATO. You're a
strategic ally and friend of the United States, and we look forward to
working with you to keep the peace.
It's my honor to welcome you to America.
CHAIRMAN ERDOGAN: I thank you very much. We're very happy to be
in the United States, who is our ally and friend, and also another
source of happiness for us that Mr. President spare the time to meet
with us.
Undoubtedly, we see our bid to European Union membership as the
most important modernization project of our country since the
establishment of the republic. And this will serve as a great
jump-start for democracy, enhancement of democracy.
This week is a very important one for us. This is actually a
turning point in our history. It's also very meaningful that this
turning point merged with our -- coincided with our new established
government and our election victory. We're aware of your support on
this matter and we are very appreciative of this.
But it shouldn't end here. We expect that to continue, of course,
now -- (laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all.
Q Sir, can we ask --
THE PRESIDENT: Not today. But, you know something, I appreciate
the effort. (Laughter.)
Q O for two today --
THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know something, it's good for you --
brings discipline. Right, Randy? If I answer questions every time you
ask one, expectations would be high. And as you know, I like to keep
expectations low. (Laughter.)
Q -- expect some phone call for European Union?
THE PRESIDENT: I made a lot of phone calls already. My
administration is working hard on Turkey's behalf.