PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN: TURKEY AND SYRIA ARE LIKE FINGER AND THE NAIL

Prime Minister Erdogan went to Damascus on 26th of April 2008 to attend the Turkey- Syria Economic Forum's first Meeting. Mr. Egemen Bagis, AK Part Vice Chairman in charge of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nazım Erken, Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister, and Mr. Kursad Tuzmen Minister of State accompanied Prime Minister during his visit.

Prime Minister Erdogan stated on the First Meeting of Turkey Syria Economic Forum that Turkey and Syria are like two brothers that can't be parted from each other like a finger and the nail. And the devlopments of these two countries are dependant on each other. Erdogan also said that turkey is ranking as the 17 th largest economy in the world and 6th in Europe and the private sector has played a big role to realise this. Erdogan stated the the state withdrew from trade issues and left it to the citizens and entrepreneurs and added ‘ I believe that Syrian economy will also be carried to further points from the current whereabouts.'Prime Minister Erdogan also met President Bashar al Assad, Prime Minister Naji al Otari and recorded that he will contribute to any kind of initiative that will be taken to realise peace and stability in the Middle East.