Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said on Tuesday that a country's economic development depends on the political stability of that country, Anadolu Agency reported.
Speaking in the 4th Bosphorus Summit organized by International Cooperation Platform in Four Seasons Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, Arinc likened the economic and political stability to the siamese twin.
"There would not be economic development without ensuring political stability. Without economic development, political stability is compromised" said Turkish Deputy PM.
Reminding that the summit aimed to contribute to the process of building strategic alliances/cooperative efforts with primarily Middle Eastern, North African, European and Asian countries and Turkey's first and second zone neighbors, through using the opportunities created/presented by global economy,Arinc said, "Turkey has taken important steps to improve trade relations with Middle East and North Africa."
"We have strategised, increased the number of the foreign representations, signed Free Trade Agreements and developed the relationships with the regional cooperation organizations. As a result, we have made significant improvements in trade with North African and the Middle East countries which have grown 5 percent in last 10 years" Arincsaid.
Stating that Turkey reached "striking and pleasing figures" with North African and the Middle East countries, Arinc added "However, it is far below the potential. Because, in spite of all positive developments, conflicts and crises in the Middle East and North Africa hinder the development of the region."
Bosphorus Summit being organized by International Cooperation Platform has convened for the fourth time, between November 20 and 22, 2013 in Istanbul, with the attendance of high ranking representatives from 55 countries.