Lukashenko: Minsk, Ankara can reach new level in development of relations
Belarus and Turkey are capable of reaching a new level in the development of their relations.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko made the remark during talks with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Minsk on November 11, BelTA agency reported.
“I am convinced that as a result of your visit we will be capable of reaching yet another level in the development of our relations,” the Belarusian head of state said. “We have virtually no political differences of opinion. We have common views on the international agenda. The relations via diplomatic channels are very good.”
The president noted that the bilateral trade and economic relations are slightly behind “our personal and interstate relations”, adding that however, even in this part the dynamics is positive and good progress has been secured.
Alexander Lukashenko assured Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Belarus' sincere attitude towards the friendly state of Turkey.
“Our friendship and relations have passed the test of time. You can rest assured that our relations are solid. Belarus will always be predictable for Turkey. Our policy will always conform to the policy you've been pursuing for more than one year,” stated the Belarusian head of state.
The Belarusian head thanked the Turkey president for bringing about 200 representatives and top executives of major Turkish companies as part of his delegation to Minsk.
“We are going to open a Belarusian-Turkish forum. About 300 companies have been registered as participants. It may be the largest forum on record in the history of independent Belarus in terms of the number of companies,” noted the head of state.
Noting that it was the first visit of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Belarus, the Belarusian head of state said he was confident that his Turkish counterpart will like the country despite the unfavorable weather.
Turkey would like to boost economic ties with Belarus, and increase mutual trade volume up to $1 billion, said President Erdogan.
"There was a drop in the trade volume between 2013 and 2015. We can increase this to $1 billion in a very short time," Erdogan told reporters along with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Anadolu Agency reported.
"This is not difficult [to do] when you consider the two countries have a combined population of 90 million," he said.
Erdogan added that Turkish entrepreneurs had investments worth about $1.5 billion in Belarus.
"The steps that they [entrepreneurs] take together with the businessmen here [in Belarus] would be a win-win for both countries."
Erdogan will address the Turkish-Belarus Business Forum later on Friday. He is also expected to attend the opening ceremony of the Minsk mosque.
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