Czech investors can be Turkish citizen : Turkish PM

ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas (R) shake hands during a press conference at government headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic, 04 February 2013. EPA photo

Turkey is ready to give Turkish citizenship to Czech businesspeople who would like to invest in Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said during a Turkish-Czech Business Council meeting in Prague today.

Erdoğan stated that Turkey and the Czech Republic reached a consensus on creating a high-level cooperation council. “We look to the future with hope. There are positive developments. Our current trade volume of $2.5 billion with the Czech Republic is not sufficient,” he said, stressing that the target trade volume was to reach $5 billion by 2015.

Also speaking at the meeting, Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan indicated that they could work together with Czech businesspeople, particularly in the automotive and machinery sectors. Erdoğan and the Czech Republic’s prime minister, PeterNecas, signed an agreement to develop mutual cooperation in the field of culture as well. As part of the agreement, the two countries will encourage mutual youth and sports activities. Additionally, Çağlayan signed a Joint Economic Commission Protocol to boost cooperation in the field of energy.

Erdoğan is accompanied in Prague by 80 Turkish businessmen, in addition to Çağlayan, EU Minister Bağış, Energy Minister Yıldız and Health Minister Muezzinoglu.