Turkey still safe for investments: Deputy PM

ISTANBUL

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Ankara understands investors’ concerns about terror attacks in Turkey, but the country will again draw investment because its foundations are solid, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek has said in a joint press meeting with the head of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Rising violence is a key concern regarding Turkey, but it should not be forgotten that Turkey has fought against terror for the last 40 years, Şimşek noted, adding that there was no need for any economic concerns.

“Turkey has robust foundations and is doing well despite all of the negativities around,” he said, according to Anadolu Agency.

“The country has a well-balanced budget and has created new jobs. Namely, Turkey continues to create value, although there are serious geopolitical tensions in its regions…Turkey has fought against terror attacks for the last 40 years. And I do not expect any change here,” he said.

“We understand any concerns about the terror attacks, but Turkey has strong basics. I believe the country will be a center of attraction again,” he noted, as quoted by Reuters. 

At least 28 people were killed and 61 others were injured in a bomb attack on Feb. 17 targeting shuttles carrying military personnel in the Turkish capital Ankara.

The Turkish General Staff announced on Feb. 18 that 30 of the injured were discharged from hospitals while the other 31 were in fair condition, continuing to receive treatment in various hospitals.

EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti expressed deep condolences to the victims of the Ankara in his speech. 

“The brutal terror attack in Ankara last night has shocked all of us. We are so sorry for your losses … The EBRD will continue to work with Turkey. We will make investments to create a brighter future for the society. Such attacks cannot prevent us,” he said. 

Şimşek also said Turkey was not in a dispute with Russia and that both countries had had strong economic and political ties until Ankara shot down a Russian jet in November 2015, voicing his hope for the normalization of relations once more.