New transport minister takes over in Turkey

Lutfi Elvan, new Minister for Transport, has taken over the post from outgoing Binali Yildirim as part of a cabinet reshuffle. Yildirim, the longest-serving transport minister, stressed team spirit as the catalyst behind the work the Ministry has been able to accomplish during his eleven-year tenure, including a sprawling grid of divided roads, the world's broadest airline network, and an expanding high-speed rail system. "Behind this success is an 100,000-strong army of transport," Yildirim said in his leaving speech. "The most vital line of support for us has been the prayers of 76 million people. And one of the most important factors for success has been our Prime Minister's vision and assistance." Incoming Minister Elvan praised his predecessor's work and pledged to continue his successful tradition. "Our nation should be confident that Turkey will continue to grow bigger and stronger; no one should have any doubts." Elvan said the anticipated high-speed rail line between Istanbul and capital Ankara would start test-drives on Friday. It is expected to be finished in the next three months and cut down the travel time between Turkey's two biggest cities nearly by half.