Speaking in Washington Nov. 30, Turkey’s finance minister confirmed his country’s determination to gain European Union membership, while a former government official noted the benefits of being outside the economic bloc during the current financial crisis.

Mehmet Simsek, who has been Turkey’s finance minister since 2009, said progress toward EU membership has been a major factor in Turkey’s political and economic development over the last decade.

“The process is so important because it entails the economic and social transformation of Turkey,” he said.

Mr. Simsek’s remarks came hours after global ...