BEIRUT - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed Turkish and Lebanese businessmen and said that Turkish government wants the businessmen of the two countries meet each other and work together.
Erdogan, who is currently in Beirut to attend Arab Economic Forum, delivered a speech at the meeting of Turkey-Lebanon Business Council.
''The aim of Turkish government is to create opportunities for Turkish and Lebanese businessmen, so they can make business with third countries,'' said Erdogan.
He noted, ''we intend to sign a free trade agreement between Turkey and Lebanon. We will take steps about this issue during the next joint economic commission meeting. Free trade agreement is very important to bring a momentum to trade between the two countries.''
Erdogan said, ''extra funds were accumulated in the hands of Middle East countries, with increasing oil prices. This extra cash can be used in joint projects. Turkey will become more attractive after it starts EU entry talks. We also established all legal bases for Lebanese businessmen to invest in Turkey.''