Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan has said that despite the economic crisis in several EU countries, Turkish economy broke growth records in last two years. Mentioning the EU countries which are struggling with economic difficulties, "Turkey did the opposite whatever they did," said Babacan on Tuesday talking at a panel discussion in Brussels. "When the crisis erupted in 2008, whatever Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain did, Turkey did the opposite. They tried to grow with public expenditure, conversely we reduced those spending. Many were criticising our policy in those days but the time prove us right," said Babacan. Babacan stated that current situation in Europe's economy had happened because of several EU governments' lack of political stability. Expressing Turkey's determination on becoming a member of EU, "Many people ask us whether Turkey is still interested in becoming EU member despite economic crisis in the union. Our answer is a strong 'yes'. Despite all difficulties in the union, we are not just interested in, we are also very determined," said Babacan. Noting the transformation in the Middle East, Babacan said that Turkey was exerting efforts in those countries. "North Africa and the Middle East are experiencing a transformation, there is no turn back from it. Governments would listen to people's desire in their country, and Turkey holds works in these countries which are sharing our experiences in democratic and economic fields," said Babacan. Meanwhile EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs Olli Rehn said that Turkish economy performed an incredible miracle is last decade. "After 2001 economic downturn, Turkey applied strong financial and structural programs. We are seeing economically glamorous 10 years, and Turkey became 16th biggest economy in the world and that led Turkey join G20 countries," said Rehn. Rehn reminded that inflation rate was 75 percent in Turkey in 1990s, but the rate was currently around 11 percent.
