Turkey aims to up trade volume with Belarus: Senior MP

by Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - A senior Turkish lawmaker said on Wednesday that Turkey aims to increase the trade volume with Belarus at $1 billion.

Volkan Bozkir, the head of Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, received his Belarusian counterpart Valery Voronetsky in capital Ankara.

Bozkir said that Turkey wanted to strengthen its relations with Belarus.

Recalling that the current trade volume between the two countries stands at $605 million, he said: "We want to increase it to $1 billion. We want to form good relations in every area."

Voronetsky said that they attach particular importance to their relations with Turkey.

"Our country considers Turkey as a reliable friend, and a partner that has a promising future in the international arena," said Voronetsky.

Turkey was the first country to recognize the independence of Belarus and diplomatic relations were established in 1992.