PM's visits mark new era in ties with Kuwait, Qatar

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Kuwait yesterday for talks with leaders of the oil-rich Gulf state aimed at boosting economic and political ties. After wrapping up his visit today, Erdogan, accompanied by a 500-strong official and business delegation, is scheduled to proceed to Qatar for an official visit. "Turkey has historical and cultural ties with both Kuwait and Qatar, and has the political will to improve bilateral relations with all Gulf countries," Erdogan told reporters on Sunday before the trip. State Minister for Foreign Trade Zafer Caglayan stressed the economic aspects of Erdogan's visits, pointing to huge export, joint investment and contract service opportunities in Kuwait and Qatar for Turkish entrepreneurs. Saying that Erdogan is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with Kuwait in the area of industry, Caglayan told the Cihan news agency that the Gulf region has always been a vital commercial base for Turkey. "We're here because we hope to further diversify opportunities for commercial and economic cooperation between Turkey and these two countries, to expand Turkish firms' market share and create opportunities for cooperation in future infrastructure and superstructure projects, as well as in the fields of investment and contracting," he added.