Dunya – Türkiye’s President Abdullah Gul left Ankara for an official visit to Kuwait, the first visit at that level in 12 years, at the invitation of the Kuwaiti head of state, Sheikh Sabah IV Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who currently heads the rotating presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Gul said, "During meetings in Kuwait, we will look into relations between Kuwait and Türkiye and discuss ways to improve our trade ties and to expand relations into other areas." During his two-day visit, Gul is being accompanied by Türkiye’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Ali Babacan and Head of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) Rifat Hisarciklioglu, along with other businessmen and lawmakers. Gul added that he will share his views on recent developments in the region, as well as participate in a meeting of the Türkiye-Kuwait Business Forum.
Stating that Kuwait, one of the world's largest oil producers, is soon set to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in its infrastructure, Gul added that there are big business opportunities for Turkish contractors and consultants there. He expressed hope that his visit will add momentum to bilateral relations. Gul also said that negotiations are continuing between Türkiye and the Gulf countries, including Kuwait, over a free trade agreement.