MOSCOW (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that a political will exists in Turkey and Russia to make mutual investments. ''Such investments could not have been imagined 10-15 years ago,'' said Erdogan.
In a meeting with Erdogan, President Putin remarked that Russia supports the UN Secretary General Annan's plan on Cyprus. ''We do not think that the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots is fair,'' told Putin.
Erdogan and Putin got together with Turkish businessmen in Moscow's President Hotel.
In a speech delivered at the meeting, President Putin stated that the trade volume between Turkey and Russia will increase. ''Our trade volume could easily reach 15 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to reach 25 billion U.S. dollars in 2007. Joint projects should also be encouraged,'' said Putin.
Putin stressed that the cooperation agreement he signed with the Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on December 6, 2004, makes an important reference to the good relations between Turkey and Russia.
''We pay high attention to Turkey's relations with the European Union. Half of our trade volume is with the EU states. With Turkey's integration into the EU, we are eager to make our relations better,'' expressed Putin. ''In this framework, many obstacles could be eliminated. Obstacles could be removed with Russia's entrance into the World Trade Organization. We are pleased with Turkey's positive approach in this regard.''
-INVITATION TO VICTORY CEREMONIES-
''We will soon celebrate the 60th anniversary of the victory against fascism. We would be happy to see Erdogan at the celebrations on May 9. Erdogan's visit will be a turning point in our relations. The year 2005 also marks the 85th anniversary of the foundation of Turkish-Russian relations,'' said Putin.
Speaking after President Putin, PM Erdogan expressed that the good relations between Turkish and Russian businessmen will not only help the two countries but the whole region. ''Turkey will strongly support Russian membership to the World Trade Organization. This question will be discussed in Davos on January 24, 2005,'' told Erdogan.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Trade & Industry Chamber Chairman Salih Tunar stated that, despite the Turkish Cypriots' approval of the Annan Plan, the Turks still face blockade. ''We want the isolation of Turkish Cypriots to end and wish to contribute to world peace.''
Erdogan has reminded media members that a ''Russian Year'' will be celebrated in Turkey and a ''Turkish Year'' will be celebrated in Russia in the near future.
Putin added that he discussed the re-construction of Iraq with Erdogan. ''What is happening in Iraq is a matter of concern for the Russians. We will work together with Turkey on Iraq and with the aim to solve (its) problems,'' remarked Putin.
According to Putin, Turkish and Russian delegations also discussed the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, railways and means to make better use of the Black Sea region.
In response to a Turkish journalist's question on Cyprus, Putin explained that Russia supports the Annan plan. ''We will vote in the Security Council according to the document presented to the commission,'' told Putin.
Asked about what he thinks on the Karabagh issue, Putin said that neighborly relations between Russia-Armenia, Turkey-Armenia and Azerbaijan-Armenia should be developed. ''We are all aware about the historical problems between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia will contribute to the peace process,'' he indicated.
Erdogan also expressed that Armenia must be positive in its approach to find a solution. ''Turkey's policy is based to find a lasting solution. If Armenia claims that it does not recognize the Kars Agreement, this would be a negative approach. The Ataturk Airport in Istanbul has been made available for Armenian passenger flights. We do not want negative relations with any of our neighbors, including Armenia. We will open our border with Armenia for trade once we witness a positive approach from Armenia,'' stressed Erdogan.
(ES-ULG)
2005-01-11