Turkish Foreign minister visits Suriname

Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu last week became the first Turkish foreign minister to visit Suriname. Minister Çavuşoğlu reportedly offered Suriname many joint ventures aimed at strengthening the bilateral collaboration. He pointed out that trade between Suriname and Turkey is increasing but that it still is not what it is supposed to be. The Turkish Foreign minister hopes that the aviation agreement between both countries which is also part of Turkey’s gifts to Suriname will attract Turkish investors to Suriname. “We believe in bringing our people closer to each other via business-to-business,” said Minister Çavuşoğlu who added that “trade and investments must go to a higher level” Turkey will also contribute to establishing the Suriname Diplomatic Institute and other diplomatic courses and training sessions. The visa requirement will be scrapped for diplomats and other high ranking officials. Officials aim at scrapping the visa requirement for citizens as well. Suriname’s Foreign Affairs minister, Yldiz Pollack-Beighle, is reportedly looking forward to facilitating travelers with the tourist card. She also mentioned Turkish support for financing clinics located in the hinterland. The bilateral air agreement will pave the way for a Turkish/ Surinam Airways investment. Turkish Airlines’ cooperation will enable the government to turn Paramaribo into a regional hub. Suriname will also gain access to the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) which finances development projects. A TIKA representative will also be assigned to Suriname. Reports indicate that a TIKA office will be established in Suriname. Minister Çavuşoğlu explained that Suriname can start handing in projects at the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. Kyrgyzstan is one of the leading aid recipients of the Turkish aid agency, TIKA, which continues to support Kyrgyzstan in all sectors. Tika has reportedly carried out more than 760 projects in the last 26 years in Kyrgyzstan. Tika recently established a water treatment plant in southwestern Ukraine in an effort to resolve potable water issue.