Abe Marks Japan-Turkey Friendship

Istanbul, Oct. 28 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called Monday for further promoting the friendship between Japan and Turkey as the two countries mark the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. Abe made the comment during a reception held in Istanbul, Turkey, to celebrate the opening of the undersea rail tunnel crossing the Bosphorus strait. Japanese firms were involved in the tunnel project. "I hope the two countries' relations will further develop, with the Bosphorus-crossing rail link to be a symbol of our friendship," Abe said. Prior to the event, Abe had a meeting with Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas. The mayor congratulated Abe on Tokyo's victory in the race to host the 2020 Olympics. Istanbul was also in the race. They agreed to promote exchanges between Japanese and Turkish municipalities, referring to the sister-city relationship between Istanbul and the western Japan city of Shimonoseki, which is part of Abe's constituency. END