Germany train departs from Istanbul

The "Germany train" of the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) yesterday departed from Istanbul's Sirkeci train for Germany on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the labor force exchange agreement signed between Turkey and Germany. The ceremony which was organized prior to departure was attended by Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek, EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis, Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu, Turkish State Railways (TCDD) General Director Suleyman Karaman and German Consul General in Istanbul Brita Wagener. Speaking at the ceremony, Cicek stressed that the efforts exerted by Turkish guest workers have contributed to the current level of welfare in Turkey. Bagis also emphasized the change which has occurred in Turkey in the last 50 years, saying that guest workers had a uniting effect between Turkey and Germany. Following the ceremony, the train carrying representatives of the first generation of guest workers, as well as artists, politicians, journalists departed "by order of" Bagis. The train will be welcomed at the Munich train station on October 31, namely, the anniversary of agreement.