Ali Babacan, Turkish State Minister and chief negotiator for talks on Turkey's entry into the European Union (EU), said on Tuesday that Turkey-EU integration was of utmost importance for regional and world peace.

Babacan made the remarks when speaking at a conference on " Administrative Structures Adopted in Line with EU Negotiations", which was held in Ankara and sponsored by the World Bank Institute.

He said that Turkey's entry into the pan-Europe bloc would contribute to the EU's stability and security.

"Concepts like meeting of civilizations, alliance of civilizations and peace of civilizations, will be more important for the world from now on," said Babacan, underlining that it was necessary to create an environment in the EU in which various religions and cultures can coexist.

Turkey started entry talks with the EU last October. The negotiations are expected to last at least a decade and Turkey, dominated by Muslims, is required to carry out reforms in various fields in order to meet EU demands.

Babacan said that Turkey-EU screening process on 35 chapters would be completed in 2006. He also underscored the importance of non-governmental organizations' participation in the process.

Turkey and the EU have completed introductory screening on 15 chapters and detailed screening on 13 chapters so far.

The screening process will go on with financial services chapter during March 29-30.

Source: Xinhua