CANBERRA (AA) - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc met President of the Australian Senate Paul Calvert and Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives David Hawker on Wednesday.
Arinc said, ''there are deep and sincere relations between peoples of Turkey and Australia. There are two facts which contributed to the establishment of friendship bridge between two countries. One of them is Canakkale (Gallipoli) Wars in 1915 and the other is 150,000 Turkish citizens living in Australia.''
Arinc noted, ''I attach importance to relations between parliaments because parliaments represent peoples of countries.''
''Commercial relations with Australia is very good. Trade volume increased threefold in the last 3 years and reached 600 million Australian dollar. Education and culture relations should also be increased,'' he added.
''I know that targets of two countries in foreign politics are the same. Australia supports Turkey's EU membership. Both countries are against terrorism and support peace and freedom. Turkey and Australia are also working in cooperation in UN and other organizations,'' said Arinc.
Arinc said, ''Turkey gives priority to be a source of stability in its region as a strong member of NATO and a EU candidate. ''
Arinc will meet Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer tomorrow.
2005-05-11