President Erdoğan: Bilateral trade volume increased to $21b last year despite the pandemic
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the 11th Turkey Investment Conference, held by the Turkey-U.S. Business Council.
“WE HAVE SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITIES OF COOPERATION IN A WIDE RANGE OF AREAS”
Describing Turkey and the US as two strong strategic partners and 70-year-long allies, President Erdoğan said: “Turkey and the US are two strong strategic partners and 70-year-long allies. This cooperation of ours, based on unique and solid foundations, has contributed to peace, stability and security in many parts of the world for years. Critical developments in the recent period have once again demonstrated the importance and value of the strategic partnership between our countries. We have significant opportunities of cooperation not only in economy and trade but in a wide range of areas extending from security and war on terror to defense industry and investments.”
Noting that just like in personal relationships, states can also have differences of opinion from time to time, President Erdoğan said: “We believe that these can be overcome through dialogue on the basis of solidarity and mutual respect. This perspective shows that the Turkish-US relationship has the necessary capacity and maturity to overcome hardships that may arise. What matters is for the both countries to have a strong political understanding and will in this direction. My treasured friend President Biden and I reaffirmed our shared determination on this issue during the sincere and comprehensive meeting we had in Brussels on June 14. Mr. President and I are in total agreement that it is not only possible but also necessary to enhance our economic relations.”
“BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME INCREASED TO $21B LAST YEAR DESPITE THE PANDEMIC”
Expressing the shared determination to raise the annual trade volume between Turkey and the US to $100 bln, President Erdoğan stated: “We are of the same opinion that this is a realistic target that can easily be attained should the right steps be taken. Indeed the bilateral trade volume between the two countries increased to $21 bln last year despite the pandemic conditions. The US ranks third among the countries Turkey exports to.”
Stressing that the bilateral trade volume is expected to reach $25 bln by the year end, President Erdoğan added: “If we can make use of the advantages of the post-pandemic period together with you, the businesspeople, I believe we can easily attain the $100 bln target.”
