Brussels, 18/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - The inaugural session of the Europe-Turkey Foundation was held on Wednesday late afternoon. It was attended by many well-known personalities. Founded on an initiative by Ambassador Nihat Akyol, Permanent Representative for Turkey with the EU, the foundation aims to involve the civil society of both parties in the process underway for Turkey's eventual accession to the European Union, as "politicians will need the support of public opinion to achieve this ultimate purpose". European Commissioner Günter Verheugen stressed that Europe is indispensable for Turkey but that Turkey is also indispensable for Europe. Ambassador Akyol observed that, under the current circumstances, "Turkey's accession foreshadows the prospects of a multicultural and multi-religious Europe, standing for universal values that our globalising world cannot disregard or disown".
This concept was developed by the President of the Foundation, Daniel Cardon de Lichtbuer, in his presentation of the first activities envisaged.
The Foundation will develop its activities in four areas: politics, economy, the media and culture. Its head office is at the "Maison de l'Europe", Bibliothèque Solvay (Parc Léopold, rue Belliard 137, 1040 Brussels). The president is Baron Daniel Cardon de Lichtbuer, and the Secretary, Gile Merritt.