Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Thursday that the target of negotiation between his country and the European Union (EU) is full membership, reaffirming that Turkey will never take a backward step from this aspiration.

"We will become a member (of the EU) sooner or later. What is important is that Turkey should be ready when this day comes," Gul said.

Gul made the remarks at a parliamentary meeting at which the new budget of the Foreign Ministry was discussed.

"If the EU really wants to become an actor in the world, it should be aware of contributions Turkey will make," Gul said.

When commenting on the EU's decision to partially suspend negotiations with Turkey on eight chapters, Gul stressed that the decision indicated the bloc's lack of vision.

Last week, EU leaders agreed to suspend parts of Turkey's accession talks in response to Ankara's refusal to implement an additional protocol which extends its customs union to 10 new EU members including the Republic of Cyprus.

The issue of opening Turkish ports to Cyprus is at the core of Turkey-EU dispute which led to the partial suspension, as Turkey refuses to do so, insisting that the international community first move to ease the isolation imposed on the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of Cyprus following a coup by a group of Greek officers.

The internationally-recognized Republic of Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 in the name of the whole island. The breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is only recognized by Turkey.

Source: Xinhua