    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 10, 2002]
    [Pages 2180-2181]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to Discussions With Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey's AK Party and an Exchange With
    Reporters
    December 10, 2002

        President Bush. Mr. Chairman, welcome to the home of one of your
    country's best friends and allies. We're impressed by the leadership--
    your leadership and your party's strong victory. We thank you very much
    for your commitment to democracy and freedom.
        We join you, side by side, in your desire to become a member of the
    European Union. We appreciate your friendship in NATO. You're a
    strategic ally and friend of the United States, and we look forward to
    working with you to keep the peace.
        It's my honor to welcome you to America.
        Chairman Erdogan. I thank you very much. We're very happy to be in
    the United States, who is our ally and friend, and it's also another
    source of happiness for us that Mr. President spare the time to meet
    with us.

    [[Page 2181]]

        Undoubtedly, we see our bid to European Union membership as the most
    important modernization project of our country since the establishment
    of the Republic. And this will serve as a great jump-start for
    democracy, enhancement of democracy.
        This week is a very important one for us. This is actually a turning
    point in our history. It's also very meaningful that this turning point
    merged with our--coincided with our new established Government and our
    election victory. We're aware of your support on this matter, and we are
    very appreciative of this. But it shouldn't end here. We expect that to
    continue, of course, now--[laughter].
        President Bush. Well, thank you all.
        Q. Sir, can we ask----
        President Bush. Not today. But you know something? I appreciate the
    effort. [Laughter]
        Q. O for two today----
        President Bush. Well, you know something, it's good for you--brings
    discipline. Right, Randy [Randall Mikkelsen, Reuters]? If I answer
    questions every time you ask one, expectations would be high. And as you
    know, I like to keep expectations low. [Laughter]

    Turkey's Bid To Enter the European Union

        Q. ----expect some phone call for European Union?
        President Bush. I made a lot of phone calls already. My
    administration is working hard on Turkey's behalf.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:15 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. Chairman Erdogan's Adalet ve Kalkinma Party (Justice and
    Development Party) won a majority of the Turkish Parliament in the
    elections of November 3. A portion of these remarks could not be
    verified because the tape was incomplete.