Türkiye has designated 2006 as Latin America Year, and officials from the Foreign Ministry have announced a weeklong series of events running from 5 to 11 June in both Ankara and Istanbul.
The week opens with a reception hosted by Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül in Ankara on 5 June. A conference on bilateral relations and prospects is scheduled in Ankara on 7 June, followed by a business forum focused on expanding economic ties in Istanbul on 9 June, and a tourism conference on 10 June.
The events fall under a 2006 Latin America Action Plan aimed at strengthening industrial, economic, and cultural links with countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants will include senior trade and economy ministry officials from the region, representatives of industry and commerce chambers, and Türkiye's honorary consul generals stationed in Latin America.
Bilateral trade between Türkiye and Latin America has reached 2.5 billion USD, covering sectors such as textiles, leather, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, construction materials, and automotive components. High-level reciprocal visits are also planned as part of the action plan.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.