Yemen, Turkey eye expanded economic cooperation

SANA'A, Jan 10 (Saba) - Yemen is
preparing for receiving a special guest, Turkey's President Abdullah Gul who will
land in
the country later in the day.
The historic visit will mark a milestone in the bilateral relations at a time when
the two countries seek to further develop cooperation in all areas, according to
official
statements.
Abu Bakr al Qirbi said on Monday, on the visit by the first ever Turkish president
to the country, a summit will be held co-chaired by Presidents Saleh and Gul which
will
focus on economic links and attracting Turkish investments into Yemen, particularly
in areas such as gas, oil and energy as well as promoting the relations between
businessmen
in both countries.
The summit will also raise issues of mutual interest topped by the peace process in
the region in the light of the good Turkish-EU relations, in addition to the fight
against
terrorism, maritime piracy and the issues of developing the Organization of the
Islamic Conference, he added.
For his part, Trade and Industry Minister Yahya al Mutawakil said that the visit
will provide the two countries with the opportunity to find ways of expanding
economic cooperation
as about 100 businessmen are expected to accompany Turkish President Gul to Yemen.
Turkish investors and companies will be introduced to opportunities in Yemen, said
al Mutawakil, as he added that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is currently
negotiating
Turkish companies to develop Yemeni industrial areas.
On the visit that comes amid increasing bilateral trade between Yemen and Turkey,
there will be a focus on the development of and promotion for industrial areas in
the country,
he said.
Yemeni officials previously said that the two countries will sign agreements
including those on military industries development cooperation and removing visa
requirements
for people in both countries.
Other deals will also be signed, which will cover cooperation in areas such as
consulate affairs, extradition of wanted suspects and illegal residents, industrial
areas
management, media, private sector and education.
At a symposium on the Yemeni-Turkish ties across history last week, officials from
both countries expected the bilateral trade to increase this year to $ 1 billion,
as deputy
Turkish ambassador to Yemen affirmed that his country is keen to help Yemen in all
areas.
FR