ANKARA, Oct. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- The World Bank hailed a decision of the European Union Council of Ministers to approve the Framework Agreement and looked forward to supporting Turkey and the EU during the accession process, the World Bank said on Monday.

   A statement issued by the World Bank said, "Turkey has today crossed the bridge to Europe. This date will go down as one of the most important days in Turkey's history."

   "The opening of accession negotiations with the EU represents an historic moment for Turkey and the EU. The negotiations will belong and cover many difficult subjects, however the end result will bring great benefits to Turkey, the EU and the wider world," the statement said.

   Earlier in the day, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that he will head to Luxembourg to attend an intergovernmental conference in which Turkey's EU membership talks will start.

   "We have reached an agreement. I am heading to Luxembourg to formally open the entry talks," Gul told reporters before his departure for Luxembourg.  Enditem