French and Turkish Ministers Strengthen Trade Ties at TUSIAD Paris Lunch

French State Minister for International Trade Christine Lagarde and Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen attended a luncheon hosted by the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) in Paris, held as part of a broader "Türkiye Week" series of events across Europe.

Tuzmen noted that the two officials had developed a close working relationship through World Trade Organization negotiations, expressing hope that other European politicians would adopt Lagarde's open-minded approach toward Türkiye.

Lagarde, who said she follows Türkiye's economic progress closely, reaffirmed France's support for Türkiye's full membership in the European Union. She also highlighted military cooperation between the two countries, citing joint operations in Somalia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

On trade, Lagarde pointed out that France ranked as Türkiye's fifth-largest import partner in 2005 and said significant commercial opportunities remain for businesses on both sides. The two ministers were scheduled to meet again later the same evening.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in October 2006, in its own words.