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

    Related: Negotiating framework document prepared to meet Turkey's requests

    A statement issued by the World Bank said, "Turkey has todaycrossed 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 representsan historic moment for Turkey and the EU. The negotiations will belong and cover many difficult subjects, however the end resultwill bring great benefits to Turkey, the EU and the wider world,"the statement said.

    Earlier in the day, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul saidthat 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 toformally open the entry talks," Gul told reporters before his departure for Luxembourg. Enditem