ISTANBUL - Egyptian Ambassador to Turkey Ahmed Amin Fathalla said on Tuesday that it was very easy for Turkish citizens to get visa from Egypt.
''Previously Turkish citizens got visa from the airports, they will get the visa from Consulates this time,'' said Fathalla who visited Istanbul mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna the same day.
Speaking to the press about the meeting, Fathalla said that they wanted to benefit from the information and experience of Istanbul particularly in urban planning. Fathalla said they particularly needed help in removal of hazardous waste products.
Upon questions of journalists about the visa application started by Egypt to citizens of Turkey, Fathalla said that ''visa application was already present. Visas were taken at airports, but now they will be taken from consulates. There is no difference, it is very easy for Turkish citizens to get visas from Egypt, we wait Turkish citizens to our country.''
Gurtuna said in his part that there were historical friendship and similarities between Egypt and Turkey, but the bilateral relations could not develop significantly. ''These relations can be developed, cooperation can be made in many fields. Istanbul and Cairo are sister cities since 1988, we'll develop the relations between the cities,'' Gurtuna said.
(Öª-AÖ) 10.06.2003