ANKARA - Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a dinner in honor of his Estonian counterpart Andrus Ansip on Monday.
Speaking at the dinner, Erdogan said that aside from close language ties, Turkey and Estonia have close relations in literature, cinema and cultural fields.
"We consider the Estonians our relatives and want to establish close ties in all areas. Although we do have economic relations, the volume of economic relations between Turkey and Estonia is not at the desired level. We must give priority to fields where two countries are experts in," Erdogan stated.
"Both Turkey and Estonia are known globally for their efforts made towards maintaining peace and tranquility," Erdogan also said.
Meanwhile, Ansip said that though Turkey and Estonia are located at different corners of Europe, both countries are related to each other by symbolic ties. He added that historical ties between Turkey and Estonia go back to 1924 when diplomatic relations between the two countries began.
The fact that Turkey never recognized the invasion of Estonia by former Soviet Union shows Turkey`s determination to do the right thing and uphold ethics, Ansip indicated.
Turkey`s support of Estonia in NATO is another indication of Turkey`s determination to act in the most politically correct way. Had it not been for Turkey`s support, Estonia could not have joined NATO in 2004, Ansip told.
Turkey is one of the most favorite destinations of Estonian tourists. Turkey`s warm climate attracts Estonians. There is no doubt that the number of Estonians visiting Turkey will rise annually, Ansip also said.
(SOL-GC)