German, Turkish businessmen meet in Ankara

Businessmen from leading German companies participated in this week's 14th Turkish-German Business Corporation Council at Ankara's TOBB University. Speaking at the gathering, Energy Minister Hilmi Guler called on German investors to do business in Turkey as usual regardless of recent political developments. "Continuity is a must in state affairs, just as in energy policy," he said. "Turkey offers tremendous opportunities for investors. We're ready to work with you." Also addressing the meeting, Reinhard Silberberg, the state secretary of Germany's federal foreign office, said that Turkey is going through a critical phase and urged the government to embrace European Union-inspired reforms. Stressing Turkey's strategic location as a bridge between East and West, Silberberg said it plays a central role in the dialogue between Europe and Islamic countries.