A tad childish? Turkey's president to Europe, "our economy is more stable than yours"

Speaking to the press following a meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano pointed out that economy of Turkey is more stable than the European countries and expressed his thanks to Italy for its support to Turkey in the EU talks. 

Gül is currently in Italy for a three-day official visit with a large delegation. Firstly, Napolitano spoke to the press members saying that Gül’s visit to Italy with a crowded delegation is an indicator that Turkey gives great importance to its relationship with his country. The president added that they wish to revive the negotiations during Turkey’s accession to the EU. However, the Italian leader highlighted that Cyprus issue pose a hardship in the accession process. 

Following Napolitano, President Gül first expressed his content with the interest shown to Turkey during his visit and said the visit will accelerate present relationships between the two countries in a positive way. “Italy is fourth biggest trade partner of Turkey. Trade volume between each other is around $ 20 billion. There is also a significant [commercial] potential. I came [to Italy] to increase our trade volume and investment correlatively with prominent businessmen of Turkey,” said Gül. 

The president went on to say that Turkey’s economy is more stable compared to the economy of the Europe. “Turkish economy does not suffer some hardships experienced by the European economy. Turkish economy continues to develop while the Europe faces many economic hardships,” added the president. 

At the end of his speech, Gül thanked Italy for its support to Turkey in the EU talks and added that there are some political obstacles during the EU accession process for Turkey.