ANKARA - State Minister Ali Babacan received on Tuesday U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson, whose assignment in Turkey ends.
Following the meeting, Babacan told reporters that friendship between the United States and Turkey would be reflected to economic relations more concretely.
Babacan said that they took up recent developments in Turkey's economy, and economic relations between the two countries in their meeting.
''When we look at the last three years, we can see that many incidents have occurred. We experienced two economic crises like November 2000 and February 2001 crises. Many political problems were faced. Therefore, the period when Pearson was in Turkey can be considered a very active period. Turkish-U.S. relations have become rooted and rooted especially in the last half century. A very strong friendship has been established between the two countries.'' Babacan said.
Babacan drew attention that some sensitivities occurred in relations due to Iraq war and post-war developments.
''Constructive and positive approaches of the administrations of two countries have played a very important role in rapidly overcoming these temporary problems,'' Babacan said.
Babacan noted that reciprocal commercial relations and investments should be increased and more U.S. direct foreign investments should be made in Turkey.
''Reflection of that friendship and those relations more concretely on economic relations was important for the following term,'' Babacan said.
Babacan stated that they considered Pearson a friend of Turkey in Washington and added, ''we expect him to play a role as our honorary envoy in Washington in coming days.''
State Minister Babacan congratulated Pearson on his constructive works in Turkey and wished him success in his new assignment.
Pearson said that Turkish economy was better compared with three years before when he started his assignment in Turkey.
They appreciated efforts of Turkish people and government to reach prosperity, Pearson stated.
Pearson noted that Turkish economy had grown, banking reforms had been made and inflation rate was lower when compared with the previous years.
A new understanding had developed in Turkey's economy, Pearson pointed out.
Pearson said that there was a difficult process in front of Turkey like privatization and arrangements to attract foreign investments should be made.
Expressing belief that all those issues would be solved, Pearson said that what was important was to provide Turkish people with development.
Recalling that he worked in Ankara for three years, Pearson thanked Babacan for his cooperation and initiatives.
Pearson will depart from Turkey on Wednesday.
(BRC-AÖ) 22.07.2003