ANKARA - Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc left for Japan on Saturday as the official guest of Japanese Upper Chamber (or House of Representatives) Chairman Hiroyuki Kurata.
Addressing journalists at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure, Arinc said, ''friendly political relations have been continuing between Turkey and Japan. Meanwhile, there have been many important economic projects between our countries.''
''My visit to Japan aims at consolidating bilateral relations and holding consultations on regional issues concerning both countries. My meetings with Japanese officials will focus on increasing financial relations and development of our cooperation in the third countries,'' he said.
Recalling that 2003 was declared as Turkish Year in Japan, Arinc said, ''exhibitions of Turkish historical works of art were opened. Concerts were given. Theatre plays were staged. Turkish cuisine was promoted. We aim at promoting Turkey to Japanese people and drawing more Japanese tourists to Turkey with all these activities.''
''I believe that my visit to Japan will accelerate improving relations between Turkey and Japan,'' he said.
Recalling that he would be received by Emperor Akihito of Japan, Arinc said, ''I will have a meeting with the Japanese Emperor's uncle Altes Prince Takahito Mikasa. I will also meet with Japanese Upper Chamber Chairman Hiroyuki Kurata and Japanese Lower Chamber (or House of Councilors) Chairman Tamisuke Watanuki.''
Telat Karapinar, a deputy of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and a member of Turkey-Japan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Haci Biner, a deputy of the AK Party and a member of Turkey-Japan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, and Hasan Aydin, a deputy of the Republican People's Party (CHP) will accompany Arinc during his visit to Japan.
(UK-MS) 31.05.2003