President Gul Addresses National Press Club In Tokyo

TOKYO - Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Thursday expressed readiness of Turkey to facilitate investments by Japanese companies in Turkey.
Addressing the Japanese journalists at National Press Club in Tokyo, President Gul said he believed relations between Turkey and Japan, based on solid grounds, would get broader after inclusion of new areas and projects.
"There are very strong friendly relations between Turkish and Japanese peoples challenging the geographical distance," Gul said.
Gul said his visit aimed at boosting economic and commercial relations, and Japan was the third biggest trade partner of Turkey in the Far East.
Turkish President said Japan was among the top 10 countries investing in Turkey, and Turkish businessmen accompanying him during the visit discussed with Japanese businessmen investment opportunities.
Referring to Turkey's economic data, Gul said Turkey recorded a stable growth. "Turkey and Japan should exert efforts to turn competition elements to opportunities for cooperation. As the first step, we should on the one hand widen fan of exports products to increase trade volume, and on the other hand ensure trade balance."
"As the second step, the parties should encourage investments in energy, construction, transportation as well as technology," Gul said.
(AY-MS)
(DIP)