ISTANBUL, Feb 2 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said yesterday, his country intends to strengthen cooperation and solidarity with Lebanon, in a wide range of fields.
Erdogan’s remarks came, at a joint press conference with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
The Turkish president noted that, his country considers the Lebanese people’s problems and achievements as its own, and is ready to lend support to the Lebanese government’s reform efforts.
The trade volume between Turkey and Lebanon increased by around 80 percent, worth 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, despite the pandemic, the president stressed.
“We discussed the steps that can be taken, to boost that figure,” he added, noting that, Turkish companies are ready to undertake major infrastructure projects in Lebanon, including reconstruction of the Beirut Port.
“I believe that Turkish products are suitable and attractive for the Lebanese market in many aspects, such as price, quality, and transportation costs,” Erdogan added, noting that, his country also wants to diversify the products it imports from Lebanon.
According to Erdogan, Turkey’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, has been offering a 20 percent discount on all Beirut-bound flights, valid until the end of Feb, to boost tourism activities.
For his part, Mikati, said, bilateral ties would continue to expand on solid foundations.
He noted that Turkey and Lebanon would take strong steps, to improve relations in a wide range of fields, including political, economic, trade, and tourism.– NNN-ANADOLU
