ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, who is visiting Turkey, have promised to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
"Venezuela and Turkey have a lot of potential for collaboration, particularly in commerce, energy, mining, construction, health, agriculture, and tourism," Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Maduro in Ankara on Wednesday. Two economies are complimentary, with numerous potential for fresh collaboration and mutual investment, he said.
Ttrade between Turkey and Venezuela climbed to USD850 million in 2021 and will likely reach $1 billion this year, with an aim of USD3 billion yearly as soon as possible, the Turkish leader mentioned. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked on Wednesday had reinforced "the legal architecture" of Turkish-Venezuelan relations.
The Turkish President described Venezuela as "a friendly country," adding that he "opposes sanctions against Venezuela" and that Turkey will stand behind the country "from now on."
On behalf of his people, Maduro conveyed his gratitude to Turkey."Turkey has always been at our side and supportive of us in times of greatest uncertainty, in the most difficult circumstances, and at the time of the epidemic," Venezuelan President said.
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