ANKARA - Turkish FM Abdullah Gul left for Albania on a formal visit where he will be meeting Albanian President, Parliament Speaker, Prime Minister and other Ministers.
Gul briefed the press on the nature of his visit and answered questions before his departure.
Stating that they were working towards improving commercial relations between the two countries, Gul said they encouraged Turkish businessman to invest in Albania and reminded that Turkish companies made important initiatives in some areas like telecommunications.
Regarding the amendment of Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code Gul said "we want to amend the article in consensus. We are in close cooperation with the NGOs to avoid further changes in future and any possible resentments saying `we should have changed this, we should have added that`."
"If a certain thing is not in the benefit of Turkish citizens, we will not just do it because foreign elements asked. But if that thing is for the good of Turkish people, of course, we will do it" said FM Gul.
Answering to questions regarding the recent press reports claiming that Turkey has sent battleships to Eastern Mediterranean, Gul said these were routine activities.