2019 to be Turkish year in Japan: Minister Kurtulmus

By Ali Kemal Akan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish culture and tourism minister said on Saturday 2019 will be a “Turkish year” in Japan.

Speaking at an opening ceremony of “2018 Japan Festival” at the Turkish Japanese Foundation in capital Ankara, Numan Kurtulmus recalled 2003 was also a Turkish year in Japan.

He noted the fact that 2018 is the 94th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Turkey and Japan.

He said the number of tourists visiting Turkey was expected to rise this year.

“In the new period, we will launch new markets in the Far East Asian countries, particularly in Japan, China, India, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia.”

About economic ties between the two countries, he said: “Japanese investors have always had an interest in large projects of Turkey. Avrasya [Eurasia] Tunnel, the third bridge… We will improve our strategic partnership with Japan in every field.”

The ceremony was also attended by Japanese Minister of State Masaji Matsuyama.

Masaji said Japanese football player Yuto Nagatomo’s transfer to Turkish football team Galatasaray would increase Japanese interest in Turkey.

He added he visited Turkey in 1999 after the Marmara earthquake that claimed the lives of 17,000 people to distribute aid.