Grand Duke voices support for Turkey EU bid

(CS) A gala dinner at the presidential palace in Ankara closed the first day of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess's state visit to Turkey on Tuesday.

Luxembourg's head of state thanked President Abdullah Gül for the warm welcome on this first state visit to Turkey, saying that it is a joy to "discover and rediscover" the country.

Grand Duke Henri recalled Turkey and Luxembourg's ties, with both countries working together in the UN, NATO and the European Council.

The Grand Duke also spoke out in favour of Turkey's application to join the EU. "We support this aspiration, as we strongly support the reform process, which you have begun as part of the accession negotiations," he said.

Henri added that he is glad that Turkey is ready to adopt the European "norms and values" in regards to democracy and human rights.

The Grand Duke closed his speech saying that he hopes that this state visit will further strengthen ties between the Grand Duchy and Turkey, raising his glass to "prosperity and to friendship between our two nations."

On Wednesday, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess will continue their journey to Gaziantep in the south east of Turkey, where Maria Teresa will visit a Syrian refugee camp.