ISTANBUL - Turkey`s President Abdullah Gul said Thursday the lifting of walls and end of cold wars make it a must for countries to cooperate with each other.
Speaking at the 31st World Congress of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) in Istanbul, Gul said that he is pleased to welcome all the guests to Turkey.
"I am happy to see Mikhail Gorbachev, a highly valued statesman who helped form the new world order, as a participant of the congress in Istanbul," Gul noted.
Addressing the guests of the congress, Gul said that the transportation sector plays an important role in the growth and development of nations.
"Turkey has become a leading country in Europe and in the world in terms of transportation," Gul said.
"Transportation will never lose its importance. Although transportation with ships, trains and airplanes continue, the fastest and door to door transportation will take place on land," Gul stressed.
"New roads will be constructed in and around the Black Sea. I believe that the Silk Road will be revived and reach the heartland of Asia," Gul said.
"As commercial relations develop, there will be adequate distribution of welfare. Production as well as development will increase as commercial ties grow," Gul said.
Gul thanked all those who made the congress possible.
"The current congress is an opportunity to promote Turkey and Istanbul and see Turkey`s real potential," Gul also said.
(SOL-AY)