Czech president expresses willingness to boost trade with Turkey

ANKARA (A.A) - Czech Republic's President Vaclav Klaus said his country eyed more cooperation and trade with Turkey. "We want to increase trade and boost our economic relations by taking Turkey as a strategic partner and a priority in our commerce," Klaus told a meeting of the Turkey-Czech Republic Business Forum in the Turkish capital, Ankara.    Klaus said Czech Republic was ready to improve cooperation between the two countries in all areas including political, social, commercial and defense. "We are aware of the strengths of Turkey's economy. We know that you overtook China with the achievements you have made within the past two years," Klaus said.     Also speaking at the forum meeting, Czech Industry & Trade Minister Martin Kuba said his country considered Turkey as long term partner, adding that the last decade saw the trade volume between the two countries grew ten times to reach 3 billion USD in 2011. "We see great opportunities in Turkey in the future. Turkey is a country of priority for us and we encourage our businesspeople and companies accordingly," he said.