Turkey is not a guest but a host country in Europe, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Thursday. "Neither the European Union nor the European countries that are on the brink of falling into the clutches of racism can exclude Turkey from Europe. We are not a guest but a host in Europe," Erdogan told a meeting with mukhtars (village heads) at the presidential complex, Yeni Şafak reports.
He said the problems Turkey was going through with some European countries were current political disputes. "If the EU is ready to put aside its meaningless hostility and double standards against Turkey, we are ready for full membership to the EU," said president.
Erdogan vowed to "show goodwill" after the 28-union bloc took a step on what he said were visa-free travel, €6 billion aid for refugees, and opening on new chapters in EU membership talks. "The term of one-sided commitment is over," Erdogan said, adding Turkey was tired of waiting for an answer from the EU for over 50 years.
"If the Europe does its part, then we will stand behind all of our promises. Otherwise, it is their own choice!" he added.
