Herald Reporter
TURKISH ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Kemal Demirciler yesterday called on Vice President Joice Mujuru at her Munhumutapa Offices and pledged to find ways to boost economic ties between the two countries. Ambassador Demirciler, who has been in

the country since last year, said while relations between Zimbabwe and Turkey were cordial there was room for improvement.
“I paid the courtesy call to VP Mujuru since I am new to this country and we discussed bilateral issues and how to improve,” he said. “We also discussed cultural issues and how Turkey and Zimbabwean people can benefit from cultural exchanges.”

He added that his country was looking at expanding ties with countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Turkey is interested in promoting relations with countries in Southern Africa and the Sub-Saharan region. We have been trading with Zimbabwe although on a small-scale but our intention now is to promote understanding and also relations between Turkey and Zimbabwe businesses themselves,” he said.

Ambassador Demirciler said his country had a well developed economy especially in the manufacturing of household appliances, automotive industry and horticulture.
Turkey, he added, assembles most of the leading brands in the automotive sector and was also a leading producer of hazel nuts and a variety of fruit and vegetables.
According to a 2010 World Bank report, Turkey has the world’s 15th largest GDP and 17th largest Nominal GDP and is a founding member of the G-20 major economies.