Hellenic Resources Network
Thursday, 13 January 2005

Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 05-01-12

Erdogan is holding contacts in Moscow

Ankara Anatolia news agency (11/01/05) reported from Moscow that the 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,” said Putin.

Erdogan and Putin got together with Turkish businessmen in Moscow.

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,” said 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.

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, Mr Erdogan said 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,” said Erdogan.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriot Trade and 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 Council,” said Putin.

Asked about what he thinks on the Karabagh issue, Putin said that
neighbourly 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 the view that Armenia must be positive in its
approach to find a solution. ”Turkey’s policy is based on finding 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 neighbours, including Armenia. We will open our
border with Armenia for trade once we witness a positive approach from
Armenia,” stressed Erdogan.