ANKARA, Oct. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gulsaid on Saturday that Turkey's entry talks with the European Union (EU) would last long, but they would continue to work hard.

    Anatolia News Agency quoted Gul as saying in Kayseri of central Turkey that a historic step was taken with the European Commission (EC)'s Progress Report, adding that they expected the European Council, which would convene on Dec. 17th, to start entry negotiations with Turkey without delay as it was earlier decided.

    "There are many matters on which we will work. When a decision is made on starting negotiations with Turkey, a conference between governments will convene under the acting presidency of Luxembourg.An official ceremony will be held and negotiations with Turkey will start. It will last long. Everyone knows it," Gul said.

    Gul said that there would be important changes in Turkey during the process, adding that they would continue to work hard.

    He pointed out that laws and regulations would be passed, sayingthat Turkey's standards would be brought to the level of EU standards.

    He said that a great amount of foreign capital would flow to Turkey after Turkey and the EU start entry talks.

    Gul said that the flow of foreign capital meant increase of investment, decrease in unemployment and rise in exports, adding that Turkey hoped the following period would continue successfully.Enditem