Tuzmen: We Consider Djibouti As Key Country Of East Africa

DJIBOUTI FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS STATE MINISTER TUZMEN
ANKARA - State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Wednesday that they considered Djibouti as key country of East Africa, stating that, ''we will continue close contacts with Djibouti and convey Turkey's experiences to this country.''
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Parliamentary Relations Ali Abdi Farah of Djibouti visited Tuzmen.
Speaking at the meeting, Tuzmen said trade relations between Turkey and Djibouti were very weak, noting that, ''reciprocal trade volume between the two countries had been zero in 1990's. Several positive developments occurred in the recent period. We particularly consider Djibouti as the key country of East Africa. We will continue close contacts with Djibouti. We think that harbor of Djibouti and the free zone that would be made around the harbor will have a strategic importance.''
Noting that Turkey has a 20-year experience on free zones, Tuzmen said Turkey could share its experiences with Djibouti on this issue.
Tuzmen said total trade volume of Djibouti was very small at the time being, but that many things could be done after harbor of this transit country of East Africa takes effect. Tuzmen said Turkish contractors and consultancy sector also wanted to take place in development mobilization of Djibouti.
Stating that studies were underway for establishment of salt integrated institution, Tuzmen said Turkey could convey its industrial experiences also on this issue.
Tuzmen said Turkish Eximbank held a meeting to launch an initiative in Djibouti, adding that, ''I think that Djibouti will take place in our portfolio.''
Meanwhile, Djibouti Foreign Minister Farah in his part said for long years they benefited from the civilization which Turks brought to their country in the Ottoman period, adding that they attributed a special importance to Turkey and that they wanted to further strengthen relations.
The guest minister said Djibouti was a country of industry, noting that he hoped Turkish private sector would benefit from the harbors of his country which is between the Arab Peninsula and Africa.
Farah said there was a salt lake in his country, stating that they wanted an industry establishment to be set up there, stressing that they applied to Turkey to open a 25-million U.S. dollar loan to his country.
Farah said they wanted to benefit from Turkey's experiences particularly on technological information and medium scale industries. He said they would be pleased to see Turkish private sector in his country.
(AY) 03.03.2004