VIENNA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, who was in Vienna, Austria as the guest of Austrian Foreign Minister Betina Ferrero-Waldner, attended on Tuesday the reception held in his honor in Turkish Embassy.
Turkish businessmen and chairmen of Turkish associations also attended the reception. Addressing to Turkish businessmen and chairmen of associations, Gul said that there was a historical friendship between Turkey and Austria and added, ''our relations are friendly today as it was in the past. We met with Ferrero-Waldner many times in the European Union (EU) meetings and we have a very good friendship. The Turkish population here is very important for us. Most of this population has become Austrian citizens and this gives honor. I have heard very positive words about Turkish citizens in my meetings today and this pleased me very much.'' Noting that they desired the relations between Turkey and Austria to be developed, Gul said, ''you are bridge in developing these relations. You have two countries now. I wish you happiness.''
Ferrero-Waldner said that she had firstly met with Gul during her visit to Kas town and a warm relation had started between them.
Ferrero-Waldner thanked Gul for visiting Austria and said that they wanted to further develop existing relations in the economy field as well. Ferrero-Waldner said that Austrian investors wanted to make investments especially in energy sector in Turkey and to be active in the field of hydroelectric power plants. She added that they desired the lifting of visa for unproblematic entrance of Austrian tourists and Austrian citizens of Turkish origin to Turkey.
Ferrero-Waldner said that they were following the reform process in Turkey closely and added that they would be pleased to see Turkey as EU member rapidly.
(GC-AÖ) 02.09.2003