Türkiye's Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim and German Transportation, Construction and Housing Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee signed a cooperation protocol in Istanbul, committing both countries to deeper collaboration in the rail sector.
The agreement, signed at Dolmabahce Palace, covers railway construction, management, and technical training. The two ministers also discussed broader bilateral ties, including commercial and cultural relations.
Yildirim noted that Germany is Türkiye's top trading partner, adding that further progress in the relationship remains possible. He expressed hope that Germany's upcoming EU presidency, beginning in January 2007, would help advance Türkiye's EU accession talks, particularly on transportation matters.
Tiefensee pledged that both ministers would work actively to support Türkiye's EU membership bid.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in December 2006, in its own words.