ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Friday that the high level meeting of Turkey-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was an indication that Turkey and CARICOM member countries shared a vision to boost a new cooperation.
Making the opening remarks of the high level meeting in Istanbul, Babacan said all the works in question aimed at contributing to a mutual future based on global peace, equality and prosperity.
Babacan said the parties would exchange views on bilateral relations, and at the same time members of the CARICOM would be given information about Turkey's political and economic potential and foreign policy vision.
Babacan underscored that Turkey became an island of stability, security and prosperity with its geostrategic position, active economy, strong democratic tradition, social dynamism, cultural richness and well trained armed forces in a region full of clashes.
Commenting on developments in Turkish economy in the recent years, Babacan said Turkey was willing to boost relations with the Caribbean countries.
Babacan said Turkey initiated works to improve relations with the organizations in the region in line with "Latin America and the Caribbean Action Plan" and Turkey appreciated the progress made by the Caribbean states to turn their economies into one market and to establish a framework for one economy.
Babacan said there was a noteworthy progress in Turkey's trade volume with the Latin American and the Caribbean countries. "Trade volume between Turkey and the Caribbean countries rose to 200 million USD," he said.
Foreign Minister Babacan said the government was encouraging the Turkish businessmen to strengthen ties with the region and assess investment opportunities, "to achieve this goal, Turkey favors increasing number of joint business councils.
Babacan said Turkey would attach a special importance to the interests and priorities of the CARICOM member countries in case Turkey gets a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
(AY-MS)
(DIP)