Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was presented with the "Turkey in Europe-Franco Nobili" award.

A gala took place in Istanbul on the sidelines of the Media and Economy Forum.

Prime Minister Erdogan and State Minister & chief negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bagis were in attendance at the event.

Bagis said, "Turkey and Italy are cooperating in many areas. Italy has been extending full support to Turkey's EU membership process."

Meanwhile, Italian Ambassador to Turkey Gianpaolo Scarante said Italy believed that Turkey's membership to the EU was part of a strategic project.

He highlighted importance of Turkey's accession into the Union.

Besides Erdogan, Egemen Bagis, Turkey in Europe Association Honorary Chairman Carlo Marsili, Calik Holding President Ahmet Calik, Finmeccanica CEO Pier Francesco Guarguaglini and Turkey-Italy Business Council Chairperson Zeynep Bodur Okyay were also presented with the "Turkey in Europe-Franco Nobili" award.

AA