Turkish Diplomat On Relations Between Turkey And Cuba

HAVANA/ANKARA - A Turkish diplomat said on Saturday that the commercial relations between Turkey and Cuba improved remarkably in recent years.
In an interview with A.A, Sanivar Kizildeli, Turkish ambassador in Havana, said that the 10-million euro Turkish Eximbank loan launched for Cuba revived the relations between the two countries.
"Such loan enabled Turkish businessmen to enter the Cuban market. There has been a significant rise in our trade with this country," Kizildeli said.
The ambassador also said the trade volume between Turkey and Cuba reached 34 million USD in 2007.
"The products Turkey mainly purchases from Cuba are nickel products, tobacco and alcohol to be used in the pharmaceutical industry. Turkey generally exports goods to be used for the electricity and water infrastructure investments in Cuba," he said.
Apart from the developments regarding the commercial relations between Turkey and Cuba, Cuban officials desire to improve the cultural relations between the countries as well.
Abel Prieto Jimenez, Cuban Culture Minister, said that Turkish culture should be promoted more efficiently in Cuba.
The Cuban minister also said that Cuba was open to cooperation, establishing closer relations and getting to know each other better.
(DO-AY)