Visiting German Minister of the Interior Wolfgang Schaeuble said his country is ready to do everything within its power to combat terrorism.

Schaeuble and his Turkish counterpart Besir Atalay held a joint press conference after their meeting on Monday.

Commenting on the associations operating in Germany which are in connection with the terrorist organization PKK, Schaeuble stressed the need for concrete evidence and said related authorities took necessary steps with the evidence they had at hand. He said the same was valid in the struggle to cut the financial resources of the PKK.

Schaeuble recalled that there were many German citizens of Turkish origin living in his country and said they were an important asset for both countries.

Schaeuble said Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated that issues of integration were a priority in their policies when she came to office. He said Germany would make an effort to solve issues of integration in cooperation with the Turkish government.

"Members of the Turkish community in Germany should have equal opportunities in schools and education life; and for them to be successful in the business life they should be fluent in German," noted Schaeuble.

Schaeuble said they shared similar opinions with the Turkish government regarding their aims on the analysis and solution of the integration issues.

Schauble said citizenship issue was also important in this respect and noted that Germany acted on the idea that every one should have only one citizenship. "Either they choose German or Turkish citizenship, they will not be in a disadvantageous position regarding their acquired rights," said Schauble.

He said they (the two ministers) agreed to ask counseling from experts on the issue and also to form a joint sub- committee.

Later Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan received Schaeuble.

Toptan said the relations between Turkey and Germany are currently at a very good level as they have always have been.

He said Turkey hosts nearly four million German tourists every year and a great number of German families settled in Turkey.

The trade volume between Turkey and Germany reached 20 billion Euro, Toptan said and stated that Germany gives strong support to Turkey's EU membership bid.

Toptan added that nearly three million Turkish citizens are living in Germany.

Schaeuble also visited Prof. Ali Bardakoglu, head of Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate.

Schaeuble said overcoming problems about integration were discussed.

He noted that the modern world envisages people from different religions to live together rather than living in different countries and continents.

On the other hand, Bardakoglu said identities, religions, ethnical origins and characters of people should not be an obstacle before living together in peace; it should be an enriching and strengthening value.

Bardakoglu said he appreciates the efforts of Schaeuble regarding the representation of Muslims in Germany as well as courses on Islam religion.

Upon a question, Schaeuble said Germans want to enhance cooperation with Muslims because they are a part of Germany.