Presidents Saleh and Gul restore Yemeni-Turkish historic relationships

Source: Saba, 10/01/2011
Sana'a- Yemen is preparing for receiving a special guest, Turkey's President Abdullah Gul who will land in the country later in the day. The historic visit will mark a milestone in the bilateral relations at a time when the two countries seek to further develop cooperation in all areas, according to official statements.

Abu Bakr al Qirbi said on Monday, on the visit by the first ever Turkish president to the country, a summit will be held co-chaired by Presidents Saleh and Gul which will focus on economic links and attracting Turkish investments into Yemen, particularly in areas such as gas, oil and energy as well as promoting the relations between businessmen in both countries.

The summit will also raise issues of mutual interest topped by the peace process in the region in the light of the good Turkish-EU relations, in addition to the fight against terrorism, maritime piracy and the issues of developing the Organization of the Islamic Conference, he added. For his part, Trade and Industry Minister Yahya al Mutawakil said that the visit will provide the two countries with the opportunity to find ways of expanding economic cooperation as about 100 businessmen are expected to accompany Turkish President Gul to Yemen.

Turkish investors and companies will be introduced to opportunities in Yemen, said al Mutawakil, as he added that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is currently negotiating Turkish companies to develop Yemeni industrial areas. On the visit that comes amid increasing bilateral trade between Yemen and Turkey, there will be a special focus on the development of and promotion for industrial areas in the country, he said. Yemeni officials previously said that the two countries will sign agreements including those on military industries development cooperation and removing visa requirements for people in both countries.

Other deals will also be signed, which will cover cooperation in areas such as consulate affairs, extradition of wanted suspects and illegal residents, industrial areas management, media, private sector and education. At a symposium on the Yemeni-Turkish ties across history last week, officials from both countries expected the bilateral trade to increase this year to $ 1 billion, as deputy Turkish ambassador to Yemen affirmed that his country is keen to help Yemen in all areas