Portugal backs Turkey's accession to the EU as it takes over the presidency
Portugal has said it will back Turkey's attempt to join the EU when it takes over the rotating six-monthly presidency, carrying on from Germany's efforts.
Alvaro de Mendonca E Moura, Portugal's representative to the EU, explained the European countries must work together to ensure this process takes place.
Portugal's stewardship of the EU could be particularly important for Turkey depending on how it reacts to Nicolas Sarkozy, the new French president - who does not regard Turkey as a suitable candidate for EU status.
Mr Moura was quoted by the New Anatolian newspaper as saying: "Germany, from which we will take over the presidency, is preparing to launch negotiations with Turkey on new chapters. We will go on the same path."
Recently, Olli Rehn, the European commissioner responsible for enlargement, said that Turkey represents a bridge between Europe and the Middle East - an opportunity that should not be spurned by rejecting the country's accession bid.
"Turkey is an anchor of stability in the most unstable region of the world, in the wider Middle East," he explained.
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