Turkish premier says 70,000 Turkish companies operating in Germany

ANKARA (A.A) - November 1, 2011 - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that more than 70,000 Turkish companies whose annual turnover reached 35 billion Euros were operating in Germany. Erdogan left for Germany to attend celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Turkish-German labor recruitment upon invitation by German Chancellor Angela Merkel's guest. Prior to his departure, Erdogan told reporters in Esenboga Airport in Ankara that there were deep-rooted relations between Turkey and Germany, stating that Turkey attached a great importance to its relations with Germany. "Nearly 3 million Turks are living in Germany. German citizens of Turkish origin have been playing an important role in boosting of friendly and powerful relations between the two countries," he said. Erdogan said that they were glad about Turkish community's contributions to several areas in Germany. Premier Erdogan said that he would attend a meeting with Merkel to be held Wednesday for the 50th anniversary of Turkish-German labor recruitment, adding that they would also discuss bilateral relations and close cooperation between Turkey and Germany. Germany was the most important trade partner of Turkey, he said. Trade volume was 29 billion Euros last year, he said. After completing his visit to Germany, he would proceed to Cannes city of France to attend G-20 Summit on November 3-4, he said.