Turkish Ambassador meets with Mongolian journalists

Ambassador Murat Karagoz welcomed journalists and discussed foreign policy

On February 12, Mr. Murat Karagoz, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, held a meeting with Mongolia’s journalists in his newly built ambassadorial office to provide information about Turkish foreign policy and respond to questions.

This year, the two countries mark their 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Ambassador Murat Karagoz emphasized that intensifying bilateral relations and cooperation will be empowered with reciprocal high-level visits of the two countries. In this view, the Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister is to pay his first-ever visit in April and Turkish Parliament Speaker will visit Mongolia in June, 2014.

He added, “Turkey and Mongolia have ancient traditions. In connection with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations, we exchange views with relevant officials on organizing three major activities to develop bilateral cooperation in economics. This June, events ‘Mongolia Investment Days’ and ‘Turkey and Mongolia business meeting’ are planned to be organized in Ulaanbaatar. Moreover, it is possible to organize activities in leather production and tourism sector, and other cultural events, including Turkish Movie Days in Ulaanbaatar, painting and photo exhibitions and a Turkish fashion show. In addition, journalists will visit the country to give the Turkish people extensive information about Mongolia.”

From 2007, Mongolian citizens started travelling to Turkey without a visa for up to 30 days. But Turkish people have to get a visa to travel Mongolia. This matter was resolved last year and a related intergovernmental agreement between the governments of Mongolia and the Republic of Turkey was signed. However, it has not yet become real work due to certain reasons.

The Ambassador said that he expressed willingness to Mongolia’s Government to get Turkish experienced companies to participate in construction works in Mongolia’s construction and transportation sector. He continued saying that direct flights to Istanbul-Bishkek-Ulaanbaatar- Bishkek-Istanbul by Turkish Airlines, which was launched last July, contributes to increase tourism between the two countries and further widen bilateral relations.

Currently, there are over 1000 Mongolian students and youth studying in Turkey. Last year, 55 students were granted scholarships to study under the scholarship of Turkish government. This year, the number of students will increase. Talks are underway to open a new course for Mongol Studies at the University of Ankara. Furthermore, construction works, including a water purifying facility, hydropower plant and cultural and recreation complex with apartment blocks for 3000 families in the Nalaikh district are planned.