ASHKABAT - State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Tuesday while evaluating his visit to Turkmenistan that ''we should not repeat the mistakes done in Turkmenistan, the country of our ancestors, to date. We believe that we opened a new beginning and a new term of relations.''
Tuzmen met with four deputy prime ministers and 11 ministers within the scope of his contacts in Turkmenistan.
Responding to questions of journalists after his contacts, Tuzmen said that his very good meeting with Turkmen President Saparmurad Turkmenbasý for 1.5 hours ensured the end of the previous colder period in the bilateral relations.
Tuzmen said that the earlier visit of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Turkmenistan eased the things during his visit, adding that ''both sides have to launch efforts to upgrade the relations. We also have this sincere will for working together. We also see this will in Turkmenbasi and other Turkmen ministers.''
Noting that they took up issues like finance, transportation, infrastructure, Tuzmen said that Turkey could get significant revenues in Turkmenistan. Tuzmen stressed that Turkey should act together with Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia and Greece and the natural gas had to be transported to Europe.
Pointing out that the trade volume of Turkmenistan was 5 billion dollars, Tuzmen said that the figure would increase and that Turkey had many things to do in this country. Oil was an important input for Turkey, said Tuzmen, adding that the trade could improve by selling goods reciprocally if the cost of transportation reduced to a certain level.
Tuzmen said that issues of visa and problems in transportation were taken up in the meetings, adding that studies started for visa and instructions were given.
Tuzmen stressed that joint economic commission meeting had to be held between the two countries, adding he invited the Turkmen ministers to Turkey.
Tuzmen stated that Turkmenistan requested nine ships from Turkey during his contacts, adding the ships could be built in Turkey.
Problems about Turkish Airlines (THY) were also voiced during the contacts, said Tuzmen and noted that THY could not sell its tickets in Manat, the currency of Turkmenistan, adding studies could be done about it.
Tuzmen said Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) would speed up its mining activities in Turkmenistan, adding Turkish companies offered bids for Turkmenbasi and Dasoguz Airports.
Tuzmen remarked that Turkish companies voiced their problems to Turkmen officials during the contacts, adding ''we are the guarantor of 160 companies. Turkish businessmen should act together abroad.''
Reminding that Turkey constructed important buildings in Turkmenistan, Tuzmen said that this was important for the image of Turkey.
Stating that Turkmen side also had requests for free trade zone to be established, Tuzmen said, ''we have similar vision on that issue with Turkmen side. I was very pleased with Turkmenbasi's having this vision.''
Tuzmen said that free trade agreement between Turkey and Turkmenistan would be a very important step.
He stated that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited Turkmenbasi to Turkey.
Upon a question on transportation of Turkmen natural gas to Europe, Tuzmen said, ''it is obvious that Turkey did not make its plans on time. What is Turkey's total need for natural gas? How much will Turkey buy it? Natural gas can be bought from Turkmenistan in appropriate price. But, price of Turkmen natural gas costs high, since it comes via other countries. Those conditions will continue in this way. Turkey, Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan should act together to transport this gas to Europe.''
Upon another question, he said that Turkey's natural gas was not important only for the country's using it for itself but for its selling gas to Europe.
Tuzmen said that this gas had opportunity to be marketed in European markets.
Stating that agreements which Turkey made on natural gas had connection with international law, he said, ''although, there is a such an opportunity here, if Turkey buys natural gas in high prices, this issue should be reviewed. Energy Ministry is carrying out an important study. How Turkey fulfils its duty in a better way should be discussed.''
Tuzmen said that chance of selling of goods in return for natural gas with Iran was added to agreement and noted that ''off-set'' position would be reached.
Noting that an important progress was recorded in negotiations with Russia, Tuzmen said that regional countries should help each other.
When reminded Turkey bought Turkmen gas in high price from another country, he said, ''you can establish a direct line. But, it will be a visionary line. It will be prevented, if you don't have opportunity to put it into use.''
Stating that no country wanted to make business in return for goods, if they had opportunity to get cash, Tuzmen said, ''but we, as Turkey considers our own interests.''
When asked how much business was made during his visit to Turkmenistan, Tuzmen said, ''it was very beneficial visit. Figures will become definite in the coming periods.''
Tuzmen met with Deputy Prime Minister Yollu Gurbanmurodov and some ministers on Tuesday.
He also had meetings with Dortulu Aydogdiyev, Berdimurat Recepov and Muhammed Nazar Hudaykuliyev the same day.
During its meeting with Muhammed Nazar Hudaykuliyev, the delegation headed by Tuzmen brought visa and transportation problems onto the agenda and demanded free of charge transit bill.
Tuzmen said that taxes in high prices were taken in transportation sector.
Tuzmen and accompanying delegation will return to Turkey late on Tuesday.
(ÖÞ-EÖ-AY) 20.05.2003