Turkish State Minister: A New Era To Start In Turkish - Libyan Relations

TRIPOLI - A new era would start in Turkish-Libyan relations, Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen said on Saturday.
Tuzmen, who attended a seminar on business opportunities between Turkey and Libya in Tripoli, Libya, said that trade relations between two countries should be further improved.
Trade recessed between two countries as embargoes were imposed in Libya at the beginning of 1990s, Tuzmen said.
Tuzmen noted that relations would be further improved in the new era to start in Turkish-Libyan relations.
Turkish-Libyan Joint Economic Cooperation (JEC) which could not be held since 1996 would convene in Ankara in the second week of August, Tuzmen stated.
Tuzmen underlined that two countries should sign agreement on prevention of double taxation and agreement on encouragement of investments as soon as possible in order to increase trade volume.
Turkey and Libya wanted to start talks on a free trade agreements, Tuzmen said.
Tuzmen stated that two countries aimed to increase their trade volume, currently around 1-1,5 billion U.S. dollars, to 4 billion.
Turkish companies would undertake active roles in privatization programs in Libya, Tuzmen said.
Tuzmen noted that Turkey wanted to launch joint initiatives with Libya throughout Africa.
Turkish State Minister Tuzmen and accompanying delegation went to Libya on Friday.
(BRC) 26.06.2004