Turkish Minister of foreign affairs: there are no limits for development of friendly relationships between Tatarstan and Turkey

Relationships of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Turkish Republic are characterized by deep historical roots and are at the highest point now, the Turkish Minister of foreign affairs Ahmet Davutoglu stated at a meeting with the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov.

The meeting was held in Ankara within the limits of the official visit of RT President to the Turkish Republic.

Head of the Turkish Ministry of foreign affairs said that after establishing visa-free regime between Russia and Turkey, the flow of tourists from Tatarstan increased. “However, mutual goods turnover between Tatarstan and Turkey has reduced to 800 mln dollars because of the global economic crisis,” Ahmet Davutoglu stated with regret.

“I hope the current investment forum will favor development of business relationships,” the Turkish Minister of foreign affairs said. He also noted that Tatarstan plays an important role among other cultural partners of Turkey.

The Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Turkish leadership for efforts made on preservation of language and culture in the country. In his opinion, holding of events within the framework of the Year of Tukay in Turkey is a perfect example of these efforts.

According to Rustam Minnikhanov, the Tatarstan-Turkish Trade-investment forum that will be held in Istanbul tomorrow should change the situation in trade-economic relationships of Tatarstan and Turkey that was observed after the global crisis.

“However, 380 firms with participation of the Turkish capital currently work in Tatarstan, including two large projects realized at SEZ Alabuga by the Turkish companies Kastamonu Entegre and Sisecam. Another project is Hayat Kimya. Investments in these projects make 200-300 mln dollars and I hope there will be more projects in future,” RT President said.

“I cannot but mention Efes company that is successfully working in Tatarstan. Turkish builders are constructing one of the most important Universiade objects – new airport complex,” Rustam Minnikhanov reminded.

Head of Tatarstan informed that Tatarstan and Turkey actively cooperate in educational sphere, exchange of students and mutual studying of experience of medical clinics.

President of Tatarstan also met with President of the Turkish Republic Abdullah Gul.