‘I want us to pave the road from Ankara to Brussels:’ David Cameron

British Prime Minister David Cameron voiced strong support for Turkey’s membership in the European Union during his visit to Turkey and vowed he would passionately fight to make the country’s case, reports Turkish Daily News & Economic Review.

“I’m here to make the case for Turkey’s membership in the EU. And to fight for it,” Cameron told a joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to a script of his keynote speech provided by the British Embassy in Ankara.

The British leader’s landmark visit comes just three months after he took power. Cameron and Erdogan signed an updated version of the strategic partnership document, which was first concluded during the Turkish leader’s visit to Britain in 2007.

In his speech, Cameron drew a parallel in terms of the EU’s treatment of his country in the past and to Turkey now.

“Do you know who said: ‘Here is a country that is not European... its history, its geography, its economy, its agriculture and the character of its people – admirable people though they are – all point in a different direction… This is a country which… cannot, despite what it claims and perhaps even believes, be a full member,’” the British leader asked.

“It might sound like some Europeans describing Turkey. But it was actually Gen. [Charles] de Gaulle describing the UK before vetoing our EU accession,” Cameron said.

“We know what it’s like to be shut out of the club,” he said. “But we also know that these things can change. This is something I feel very passionately about… Together, I want us to pave the road from Ankara to Brussels,” he said.

Cameron made it clear that Turkey cannot be allowed to remain outside the EU.

“When I think about what Turkey has done to defend Europe as a NATO ally, and what Turkey is doing today in Afghanistan alongside our European allies, it makes me angry that your progress toward EU membership can be frustrated in the way it has been,” he said. “My view is clear. I believe it’s just wrong to say Turkey can guard the camp but not be allowed to sit inside the tent.”