ISTANBUL – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey wishes to strengthen cooperation and solidarity with Lebanon in a variety of areas. Erdogan made the statements during a joint press conference with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Ankara on Tuesday, according to the Xinhua news agency.

The Turkish President stated that his country considers the difficulties and successes of the Lebanese people to be its own, and that his country stands ready to assist the Lebanese government in its reform efforts.

Despite the pandemic, commerce between Turkey and Lebanon surged by roughly 80% in value to $1.8 billion in 2021, he said. "We discussed the steps that can be done to increase that figure," Erdogan said, adding that Turkish companies are willing to take on large infrastructure projects in Lebanon, such as the renovation of the Beirut Port.

"I believe that Turkish products are fit and attractive for the Lebanese market in many respects, such as price, quality, and transportation expenses," Erdogan stated, stressing that his country also wants to diversify its imports from Lebanon.

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