TurkishPress.com
Thursday, January 13, 2005

Erdogan And Putin Get Together With Turkish Businessmen
Anadolu Agency: 1/12/2005

MOSCOW (AA) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that a
political will exists in Turkey and Russia to make mutual investments.
”Such investments could not have been imagined 10-15 years ago,” said
Erdogan.
In a meeting with Erdogan, President Putin remarked that Russia
supports the UN Secretary General Annan’s plan on Cyprus. ”We do not think
that the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots is fair,” told Putin.
Erdogan and Putin got together with Turkish businessmen in Moscow’s
President Hotel.
In a speech delivered at the meeting, President Putin stated that the
trade volume between Turkey and Russia will increase. ”Our trade volume
could easily reach 15 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to reach 25
billion U.S. dollars in 2007. Joint projects should also be encouraged,”
said Putin.
Putin stressed that the cooperation agreement he signed with the
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on December 6, 2004, makes an important
reference to the good relations between Turkey and Russia.
”We pay high attention to Turkey’s relations with the European Union.
Half of our trade volume is with the EU states. With Turkey’s integration
into the EU, we are eager to make our relations better,” expressed Putin.
”In this framework, many obstacles could be eliminated. Obstacles could be
removed with Russia’s entrance into the World Trade Organization. We are
pleased with Turkey’s positive approach in this regard.”

-INVITATION TO VICTORY CEREMONIES-

”We will soon celebrate the 60th anniversary of the victory against
fascism. We would be happy to see Erdogan at the celebrations on May 9.
Erdogan’s visit will be a turning point in our relations. The year 2005 also
marks the 85th anniversary of the foundation of Turkish-Russian relations,”
said Putin.
Speaking after President Putin, PM Erdogan expressed that the good
relations between Turkish and Russian businessmen will not only help the two
countries but the whole region. ”Turkey will strongly support Russian
membership to the World Trade Organization. This question will be discussed
in Davos on January 24, 2005,” told Erdogan.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Trade & Industry
Chamber Chairman Salih Tunar stated that, despite the Turkish Cypriots’
approval of the Annan Plan, the Turks still face blockade. ”We want the
isolation of Turkish Cypriots to end and wish to contribute to world
peace.”
Erdogan has reminded media members that a ”Russian Year” will be
celebrated in Turkey and a ”Turkish Year” will be celebrated in Russia in
the near future.
Putin added that he discussed the re-construction of Iraq with Erdogan.
”What is happening in Iraq is a matter of concern for the Russians. We will
work together with Turkey on Iraq and with the aim to solve (its)
problems,” remarked Putin.
According to Putin, Turkish and Russian delegations also discussed the
Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, railways and means to make better use of the Black
Sea region.
In response to a Turkish journalist’s question on Cyprus, Putin
explained that Russia supports the Annan plan. ”We will vote in the
Security Council according to the document presented to the commission,”
told Putin.
Asked about what he thinks on the Karabagh issue, Putin said that
neighborly relations between Russia-Armenia, Turkey-Armenia and
Azerbaijan-Armenia should be developed. ”We are all aware about the
historical problems between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia will contribute
to the peace process,” he indicated.
Erdogan also expressed that Armenia must be positive in its approach to
find a solution. ”Turkey’s policy is based to find a lasting solution. If
Armenia claims that it does not recognize the Kars Agreement, this would be
a negative approach. The Ataturk Airport in Istanbul has been made available
for Armenian passenger flights. We do not want negative relations with any
of our neighbors, including Armenia. We will open our border with Armenia
for trade once we witness a positive approach from Armenia,” stressed
Erdogan.
(ES-ULG)

2005-01-11