Mr. Duff,

Mademe Flautre,

Minister Yazıcı,

Distinguished Guests,

Dear Istanbul lovers,

I am happy to be here today, this time not to lobby but for the launch of the European Capital of Culture-İstanbul 2010 at the European Parliament. I thank everyone who contributed to the selection of Istanbul as the European Capital of Culture and made this launching event possible. The launch at the European Parliament is very meaningful because of similarity in terms of polyphonic structure of this House and İstanbul.

As the institution which directly represents the people of Europe, the EP embodies the coming together of a European cultural community founded on diverse identities and sharing common European values. I brought to you warm greetings of Istanbul, my election district, and of all of Turkey.

Today, İstanbul and Turkey are in Brussels, in the heart of the EU, with the language of art, culture and music and creativity for a peaceful and enjoyable Europe. In Istanbul, as the capital of many cultures and Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the idea of coexistence and diversity is at the heart of what makes the city a unique centre of European and world culture, where many artistic and cultural influences have converged since the beginning of civilisation itself.

Since its foundation İstanbul has been a melting pot of various cultures, religions and languages and encompasses the experience of providing a synthesis of all, considering none of the identities superior to another.

In Istanbul, the gleaming brilliance of its Byzantine churches is side by side by the blazing domes of Sinan’s mosques and inspirational synagogues. As the East of the West and the West of the East, Turkey will very much strengthen Europe’s major historical, cultural and economic outreach to Eastern horizons.

The title of İstanbul as European Capital of Culture will provide a cultural and artistic dimension to dense and close economic and commercial ties between Turkey and the rest of Europe. An EU capable of including Turkey will send a commanding message to the rest of the world about peaceful coexistence.Furthermore “the Europe” we all desire I think, is not only inclusive and tolerant; not only multiethnic and multicultural but a Europe assuming a difficult role accompanied with a universal and revolutionary message within the cultural debate of the twenty-first century.

We are waiting everyone to join us in the European Capital of Culture İstanbul to share our common and cultural joys.

Thank you.

H.E. MR. EGEMEN BAĞIŞ

MINISTER FOR EU AFFAIRS AND CHIEF NEGOTIATOR

Cocktail – European Capital of Culture 2010

2 February 2010, European Parliament, Brussels