27 April 2016•Update: 28 April 2016
BELGRADE, Serbia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called on Croatian authorities to help boost bilateral trade to a billion-dollar volume within five years.
Erdogan's remarks came during his two-day visit to the Croatian capital Zagreb.
"Although we don’t share a border, we see Croatia as a good neighbor and a sincere friend,” Erdogan told a Turkey-Croatia business forum.
“Turkey and Croatia meet in many common areas due to our common history and values. We now have a political and military partnership. In terms of cultural values, we have collaborations from history. We need to use these values much more actively. I believe that there is no reason Turkey and Croatia cannot reach a billion dollar trade volume. I think we show exemplary collaboration in the region to protect peace and stability. However, our bilateral trade and economic ties have lagged very much behind our friendship. We need to boost the economic and commercial relationships to the level of our political relationships.
"Back in 2006 our [annual] bilateral trade volume was $270 million. Despite the crisis we have raised it to $355 million. But our goal now is to reach a billion dollars within five years.”
For his part, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic said that Turkey belongs to Europe economically, culturally, and geographically.
"Croatia recognizes the importance of Turkey and its important mediating role between different cultures and countries, different regions, southeastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia ... We appreciate Turkey's role in various regional processes and initiatives. We welcome Turkey's commitment to European integration. Turkey belongs to Europe economically, culturally, and geographically," said Kitarovic.
The forum was also attended by a Turkish delegation including Deputy Prime Minister Yalcin Akdogan, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, EU Minister Volkan Bozkir, Economy Minister Mustafa Elitas, and Culture and Tourism Minister Mahir Unal.
