Key US officials visiting Turkey to boost economic ties

In the runup to the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, key US officials are visiting Turkey this week to boost bilateral economic relations and strengthen ties with Turkish companies. Assistant Secretary of State Jose W. Fernandez is set to arrive today to hold talks with both government officials and businesses "in keeping with the United States' commitment to deepen and expand the economic engagement between the United States and Turkey," according to the US State Department. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance Michael C. Camunez will accompany Fernandez, and they will discuss trade, investment, pharmaceutical, energy, agricultural and transportation issues, said the statement. Fernandez will also visit leading universities to discuss developing entrepreneurship programs as well as opportunities to expand research and development cooperation and investments to support the creation of a knowledge-based economy.