In Kuwait, Gul stresses better trade ties with Gulf countries

President Abdullah Gül left Ankara yesterday for an official visit to Kuwait, the first visit at that level in 12 years, at the invitation of the Kuwaiti head of state, Sheikh Sabah IV Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who currently heads the rotating presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Speaking to reporters before his departure, Gul said, "In meetings in Kuwait, we will look at relations between Kuwait and Turkey and discuss how to improve our trade ties and how to expand relations into other areas." During his two-day stay, Gul is being accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister for the Economy Ali Babacan and Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) head Rifat Hisarciklioglu, along with other businessmen and lawmakers. Gül added that he will share his views on recent developments in the region, as well as participate in a meeting of the Turkey-Kuwait Business Forum. Stating that Kuwait, one of the world's biggest oil producers, is soon set to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in its infrastructure, Gul said there are big business opportunities for Turkish contractors and consultants there, and expressed hope that his visit would add momentum to bilateral relations. Gul also said that negotiations are continuing between Turkey and the Gulf countries, including Kuwait, over a free trade agreement. On the first day of his visit, Gul and Al-Sabah chaired an interdelegational meeting, and he was presented by Al-Sabah with a High Order of the Kuwaiti State. Attending a dinner given in his honor by Al-Sabah, Gul also received Deputy Kuwaiti Parliament Speaker Abdullah al-Roumi as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Jabir al-Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah.