(PARIS) - Turkey expects to advance its bid to join the European Union during France's EU presidency despite President Nicolas Sarkozy's opposition to Turkish membership of the bloc, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said in Paris on Saturday.

Babacan also told reporters, following talks with his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner, that Turkey wants to "become actively engaged" in the new Union for the Mediterranean to be launched at a summit on Sunday.

"Turkey expects its EU membership process to continue in a normal manner during this presidency," the foreign minister said, adding that he was "convinced that France will have a fair and balanced approach" as EU president.

President Nicolas Sarkozy is a vocal opponent of Turkey's entry into the EU, arguing that the mainly Muslim country does not belong in Europe.

Instead, he proposes a "privileged partnership," an idea Turkey rejects.

Turkey initially viewed the Union for the Mediterranean with suspicion, fearing that Sarkozy would offer it as a consolation prize for not entering the EU.

But Babacan said: "Turkey supports this initiative. We believe that it will promote peace, stability and development in the region."

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan decided earlier this week to attend the summit despite having reservations about the new club that France is launching during its EU presidency.

The Union for the Mediterranean will bring together 43 countries from Europe, the Middle East, north Africa and the Balkans to develop joint projects.

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