The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and the Lithuanian Industrial Confederation formalized a cooperation agreement in Ankara on Tuesday, during a bilateral meeting attended by Turkish State Minister Besir Atalay and Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus.
Adamkus highlighted that both nations attract significant foreign investment and serve as transit corridors, noting that Türkiye's emerging oil and natural gas pipelines enhance its strategic value. He encouraged Türkiye to strengthen ties with new EU members, the Baltic states, and Lithuania in particular, describing Lithuania as a gateway to a European market of 480 million people.
TOBB Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu described Türkiye as the world's 17th-largest economy, with international projections placing it among the top 10 within the medium term. He praised Lithuania's geographic position, logistics infrastructure, skilled workforce, and digital governance. Bilateral trade reached 300 million USD in 2005, and Hisarciklioglu expressed confidence the figure could reach 1 billion USD.
Separately, Adamkus met with Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc, who welcomed the strengthening relationship between the two countries. Adamkus extended a formal invitation for Arinc to visit Lithuania.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.