TIRANA - Turkish State Minister Besir Atalay, who is currently in Tirana, Albania, said on Wednesday that Albania wanted to sign free trade agreement with Turkey as soon as possible.
Atalay opened ''The 3rd Albanian-Turkish Export Products Fair'' organized by Istanbul Chamber of Trade (ITO) in Tirana and replied to questions of reporters.
Stating that he had a long meeting with Albanian Economics Minister Anastas Angjeli, Atalay said, ''They want to sign free trade agreement as soon as possible. Our businessmen also want it.''
Atalay noted that Albania was not a big market and it had limited sources for investment and stated, ''both countries want to further improve commercial relations. Turkish companies are working in different fields in this country. Those companies make investment mostly in public sector. Albania is pleased with those companies. Apart from trade, 34 companies make investment there.''
He said that Calik Group bought Kentbank which was a leading bank in Albania and which had many branches and a big potential.
When asked what kind of a role Turkey could play in bringing stability to Balkans, Atalay said, ''Turkey has many roles now. Turkey's political relations with Balkan countries are very good. Those countries also attach great importance to it. Albania wants to be member of NATO. We support this issue. Kosovo may be one of basic problems in Balkans now. If Kosovo reaches stability, one part of problems will be removed. I asked it to them. They will start to move collectively. I have seen this tendency in Macedonia. They think that if they move collectively, they can be member of NATO and EU easily.''
(EÖ-AÖ) 31.03.2004