TOKYO - State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ertugrul Yalcinbayir said on Monday Turkey was a safe country both for its own people and for tourists.
A news conference was held in Japanese National Press Club in Tokyo due to 2003 ''Turkey Year'' announced in Japan.
Pointing out that Turkey and Japan have rooted historical relations, Yalcinbayir said the aid that had been sent to Turkey following Ertugrul Frigate disaster in 1890 has importance.
Stating that Turkey covered a dynamic policy being both a part of Asia and a part of Europe, Yalcinbayir said Turkey attributed importance to improvement of relations with Japan within the scope of Asia-Pacific opening project. He recalled that those two countries established important partnerships in economic area. Yalcinbayir wished interest of Japan to increase in rapidly developing Turkish economy.
Yalcinbayir said he wished more Japanese tourists to visit Turkey in 2003 Turkey Year, stating that, ''we wish 2003 Turkey Year to constitute an opportunities for both countries''.
Yalcinbayir said the government allocated an important amount of budget for Turkey Year activities, noting that more than 100 activities introducing Turkey are expected to be held in Japan till March 2004.
Stating that trade volume between Turkey and Japan developed in favor of Japan, Yalcinbayir said Turkish textile and industry products would be introduced within the scope of 2003 Year activities.
Yalcinbayir and Japanese Prince Takahito Mikasa participated in inauguration ceremony of Sadberk Hanim Museum Collection Exhibition.
Turkey's Ambassador in Japan Solmaz Unaydin said the exhibition covered 621 pieces of work of arts reflecting the period extending from B.C. 6000 and A.C. 19th Century.
The exhibition will be open till April 6.