Caglayan pledges support for Libya

Speaking at a press conference jointly held with Libya's Interim National Transition Council Economy Minister Abdullah Shamiah, Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan, who is currently in Libya along with 225 businessmen, said that they have traveled to Libya not to exploit natural resources of the country, but to provide humanitarian aid and support. "We will meet with our contractors and build many schools, mosques and police stations in the region," said Caglayan. He stated that they have requested from Libya to ensure that Turkish firms which had to cease their operations in the region start to work again and that they are provided with facilities with regard to customs procedures. Caglayan said that Turks were willing to carry out all the infrastructure and superstructure work in Libya and that the ministry has reserved 50 million American dollars for those who are planning to furnish consultancy services. Speaking in his part, Shamiah said that they have received support from Turkey the most during the process of national transition. "We have overcome our cash shortages thanks to Turkey. Turkey was again the first country to open a credit to us. We are still in agreement with Turkey with regard to the contracts that we have signed," said Shamiah. Furthermore, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Chairman Murat Yalcintas said that Turkey was capable of transferring information to public on behalf of a modern social state, which is ready for providing know-how thanks to its experiences.