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Putin in Ankara to Boost Ties |
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Written by Administrator
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Dec 06, 2004 at 07:29 PM |
Terrorism and trade are the two items that top the agenda of the Russian President’s visit.
Russia wants to further cement the close ties between Moscow and Ankara, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the beginning of a two day visit to Turkey.
Speaking at a dinner hosted by Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer Sunday evening, Putin said the two countries had long enjoyed close commercial, economic and political relations and that the fate of the peoples of two countries were closely linked with each other.
“I am sure that my visit will facilitate us to open new horizons to co-operation between Turkey and Russia both in an economic and commercial sense,” he said.
In response to his Russian counterparts speech, President Sezer said that the first visit by a Russian head of state to Turkey in more than three decades would contribute to the partnership between the two countries.
“Turkey values Russia’s friendship,” said Sezer. “With its rich natural resources, educational, cultural and scientific achievements and dynamic population and great geographic structure, Russia has and continues to contribute to world civilisation.
With the end of the Cold War, Turkey’s relationship with Russia has improved dramatically, the Turkish President said
“The impact of changes could be seen in the development of Turkish-Russian ties,” he said. “The two countries’ approach to global issues and problems have many similarities. The establishment of permanent peace, security, stability and economic development are to the mutual benefit of Turkey and Russia.”
Sezer also touched on the issue of terrorism, one of the key issues of Putin’s visit.
“In the post-cold war era, the wide spread of terrorism, growing numbers of mass weapons of destruction, drug trafficking pose a threat to the free world,” he said. “These threats are being faced by all ethnic, religious and geographic groups. We must have international co-operation to deal with such threats."(ntvmsnbc) |
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Last Updated ( Dec 06, 2004 at 07:43 PM )
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