Thursday, 12 February 2009Turkey's president, who left for Russia on Thursday upon an invitation from his Russian counterpart, said that political, economic and cultural relations between the countries, as well as issues relating to energy and military would be discussed during his talks in Russia.
Holding a press conference at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport prior to his departure, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that Russia was an important neighboring country for Turkey and a remarkable global actor in its region.
Gul said that bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia, as well as the latest developments in their near surroundings would be on the agenda of his talks with Russian officials.
Commenting on the economic relations between the two countries, Gul said that the trade volume between Turkey and Russia reached 38 billion USD in 2008.
"Russia is at the top of our foreign trade list," he said.
Replying to a question on whether Egyptian Hosni Mubarak requested Tur
key to put pressure on Hamas during his recent talks in Istanbul, Gul said that Turkey would not exert pressure on any parties, but it would rather act in a rational way.
Gul also said that Turkey would not intervene in the domestic affairs of any country.
Upon a question whether Turkey and Egypt would develop a joint peace project for the groups in Palestine, Gul said that Egypt displayed the leading efforts for the establishment of a consensus government in this country.
In reply to another question, Gul said that the customs problem between Turkey and Russia would be discussed as part of his talks with Russian officials.
"These are technical problems and we will have the opportunity to discuss such issue at the highest level," Gul said.
Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen, Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, Energy & Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler and a delegation of numerous Turkish businessmen are accompanying Gul during his visit to Russia. |
Thursday, 12 February 2009
ISTANBUL (A.A)
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