Abdullah Gul: Turkey ready for broad partnership with France

President Abdullah Gul said Tuesday that Turkey is ready to enter into partnership with France in various domains, mainly energy, electricity, tourism, culture and education. "Bilateral relations between Turkey and France have been interrupted because of some issues not quite related to the very nature of our relations," Gul said at the Turkish-French Business Forum meeting in Istanbul. "This has negatively impacted economic cooperation, so, we need to have that 'nature' again." He expected that the current visit to Turkey by French President Francois Hollande will signal a positive turning point in bilateral cooperation. Hollande was also present at the Turkish-French Business Forum meeting. "I believe his visit will start a new period between the two countries." Gul highlighted Turkey's economic development during the past 10 years. "Turkey has learnt a lot from the crisis in 2001, and since then has made a number of significant reforms in every field. France, with its strong economy and industry, is one of the leading countries which we will enjoy cooperation with." Gul called on all French and Turkish businesspeople to cooperate in every field but especially in nuclear energy. "In terms of trade, we intend to reach EUR 20 billion, which I believe will be very easy for the countries which have no obstacles and prejudices against each other," he said. For his part, Hollande urged French and Turkish investors to contribute to the development of economic relations between the two countries.