BISHKEK - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan opened the administrative and economy faculties of Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University on Wednesday.
Addressing the ceremony, Erdogan said that the relations founded between Turkey and Krgyzstan after gaining the latter's independence developed gradually.
Noting that one of the most important dimensions of the strengthened relations was education, Erdogan said that ''Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University is a very important education institution. I hope the university will contribute to development of Kyrgyz and Turkish languages and cultures, the relations between the two peoples and also contribute to development of Kyrgyz Republic.'' Erdogan added he also believed that the university's international esteem would further strengthen and it would contribute to development of science.
Kyrgyz President Akayev said that there were kinship roots between the two countries and it would be an example for new generations.
Stating that this university had a modern education, Akayev said that this university would take steps for the future of Turkish world within the scope of principles of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of Turkish Republic.
Source said that Turkish delegation presented a proposal on formation of Eurasia Arbitration Board to Kyrgyz side in the meeting between delegations and stated that Kyrgyz administration would examine the this proposal within a month and evaluate it with Turkish side.
Sources said that the latest developments in Iraq were also discussed in the meetings and stated that Kyrgyz administration said that they approved Turkey's balanced policy on Iraq issue in meetings.
Sources quoted Turkish side as saying that there were infrastructure problems in Iraq and stated that those problems should be solved.
Akayev explained their problem on terrorism and drug smuggling in his meeting with Erdogan, sources added.
(ÖŞ-EÖ-AY) 22.10.2003