Opinions & Interviews

ANKARA, 14 October (BelTA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan views Belarus as a key partner in the northern direction, the Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, Anatoly Rubinov, told Belarusian media after his meeting with the Turkish leader, BelTA has learned.

“The Turkish President said that he accepts the invitation and is going to travel to Belarus on an official visit in the foreseeable time," added Anatoly Rubinov. He noted that Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised Turkey's relations with Belarus, including the level of trust between the countries.

According to Anatoly Rubinov, the meeting with the Turkish President was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The parties discussed the cooperation in both the economic and political areas. This meeting showed the convergence of views on many issues, including international terrorism. And most importantly the parties showed a great desire to strengthen and enhance cooperation," said Anatoly Rubinov.

Anatoly Rubinov said that the topic of cooperation with the EEU was raised at the meetings with the Turkish President and the Speaker of Parliament. "Of course, Turkey is very interested. On our part we said that Belarus can be a very reliable partner for promotion of Turkish goods, investments and services to this huge market. In this regard we have prospects,” said the Chairman of the Council of the Republic.

He added that today the two meetings discussed the issue of increasing the frequency of flights between Belarus and Turkey. “We have a visa-free regime, and we really need more flights," said Anatoly Rubinov.