ANTALYA - Mayor Bekir Kumbul of southern province of Antalya invited President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation to their province.
Albert Chernishev, one of retired ambassadors of the Russian Federation who came to Turkey to hold a series of meetings in order to further develop mutual cooperation between Russia and Antalya, and Russian Consul in Antalya Anatoly Zytsev paid a visit to Kumbul on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Chernishev recalled that he acted as chairman of the Russian Ambassadors' Council and as chairman of Turkey-Russia Business, Trade, Culture and Cooperation Association.
Meanwhile, Kumbul said in his part, ''visits of heads of state are of great importance in efforts to improve mutual commercial and social relations between countries. We want to host President Putin in Antalya. As you know, Antalya is a worldwide famous tourism center. President Putin's visit to Antalya will make an important contribution to efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia.''
Chernishev said that he would convey Kumbul's invitation to President Putin.
''President Putin will surely come to Turkey one day. President Putin and I talk about natural and historical assets of Antalya every day. He wants to come to Antalya to see these assets. Also, he plans to spend his holiday in Antalya. Our president and the mayor of Moscow will visit Antalya in the future,'' he said.
Chernishev added, ''we want to purchase real property in Turkey. Therefore, we have been waiting for approval of the law allowing sale of real properties and lands to foreigners. This law is of great importance to us. Also, our efforts to provide Turkish businessmen with Russian commercial partners have been continuing.''
(UK-AÖ) 26.08.2003