Yesterday evening the President of the Republic had a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey. The Prime Minister of Turkey confirmed that there are no problematic issues in the bilateral relations of the two countries, although our trade exchange is not yet adequately reflecting the actual potential of our co-operation. Therefore,Turkey hopes the Free Trade Agreement to have a positive effect.

The President of the Republic also mentioned other agreements whose preparations have reached the final stage and which should be concluded as soon as possible – the Double Taxation Prevention Agreement and the Air Transport Agreement.

The President confirmed that the Estonian side is fully prepared for the conclusion of the Agreements.

The President described the economic situation in Estonia and confirmed that, despite the crisis in Russia, Estonia has remained stable. At the request of the Turkish businessmen, the Prime Minister of Turkey raised the question of business visas to Estonia that are difficult to obtain today. The President emphasised that Estonia is as much as Turkey interested in facilitating business contacts, but has still decided to give up the practice of issuing visas on the border, as the Estonian border would have to be European and secure. The problem of visas will be solved conclusively when Estonia opens a diplomatic representation in Turkey.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, October 16, 1998

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