BISHKEK - ''Turkish International Cooperation Agency's (TIKA) mission is to assist the development of independent Turkic states,'' said Turkish State Minister Besir Atalay in Kyrgyz capital Bishkek today.
Minister Atalay inaugurated the new TIKA coordination office in Bishkek.
''TIKA is the mechanism whereby Turkey assists friendly and sister countries,'' stressed Atalay.
According to Atalay, TIKA does not merely provide technical assistance. ''TIKA works to teach Turkish, guides businessmen in respective countries and acts as a bridge of information on Turkey,'' underlined Atalay.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Industry and Tourism Medetbek Kerimkulov indicated that Atalay and his delegation's presence in Kyrgyzstan has made them happy. ''The joint economic commission (JEC) meetings that began this morning will contribute to bilateral relations,'' noted Kerimkulov.
Atalay is expected to sign the JEC protocol on Saturday.