President George W. Bush on Tuesday strongly endorsed Turkey's bid to join the European Union (EU) and called Turkey a “constructive bridge” between the West and the Muslim world. “I think Turkey sets a fantastic example for nations around the world to see where it's possible to have a democracy coexist with a great religion like Islam, and that's important,” Bush told reporters at the White House after meeting with visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul. Bush and Gul vowed to keep working together to confront Iraq-based Kurdish rebels that they called a “common enemy.” “The United States, along with Turkey, are confronting these folks, and we will continue to confront them for the sake of peace,” Bush said. He called the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) an enemy of Turkey, Iraq, and “to people who want to live in peace.” “We have once again underlined the importance of our cooperation in fighting against the PKK, and I would like to thank the president for his determination in this regard,” Gul said through an interpreter. Gul told reporters that Turkey would continue to work with the United States toward peace, stability, and prosperity. “We share a common vision,” he said.
