Turkish President: "A Very Important Invitation, Please Visit President Moon When COVID Calms Down"

President Moon thanks for Korean War event video message... Turkish President "Saw North Korea destroy inter-Korean office. Turkey supports President Moon's peace policy"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jung-min] Turkish President Erdogan, during a phone call with President Moon Jae-in on the afternoon of the 23rd, described it as "a very important invitation for Turkey" and requested, "Once COVID-19 subsides, I hope President Moon will definitely visit Turkey," White House spokesperson Kang Min-seok conveyed.

President Erdogan said, "If you visit Turkey, I would like to take President Moon by the hand and guide him to the ?anakkale Bridge," adding, "The ?anakkale Bridge will go down in history as a milestone of Korea-Turkey cooperation once completed." The ?anakkale Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge connecting the European and Asian regions within Turkey, is currently being constructed by a consortium including Korean companies (SK and Daelim) and Turkish firms. Completion is expected in 2021.

President Moon discussed bilateral cooperation and development plans during a 35-minute phone call starting at 5 p.m. at President Erdogan's request.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, President Moon expressed, "I am glad to speak with you again following our call in March," and "I appreciate your video message commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the June 25th War, I hold the friendship with Turkey, one of the four major participating countries, in special regard." Spokesperson Kang explained, "Turkey is the fourth largest troop-contributing country in the Korean War after the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada (21,212 troops deployed, 2,365 casualties)."

President Moon attached significance to economic cooperation issues. He said, "During our call in March, I emphasized the importance of essential economic exchanges and requested your attention. I am grateful that despite border controls, the Turkish government has exceptionally allowed our businesspeople to enter."

The Turkish government suspended all international flights and restricted foreign entry starting March 17. However, it exceptionally allowed the entry of 143 Hyundai Motor and partner company employees on April 30, and 16 Korean personnel involved in the ?anakkale Bridge construction on May 21 and June 5.

President Erdogan congratulated, "Despite the COVID-19 situation, Korea successfully held its general election and achieved successful results," and evaluated, "The success of the president and the ruling party reflects the people's support for the effective response to COVID-19."

President Erdogan added, "The world is paying attention to Korea's leadership in COVID-19 response and the president's leadership," and "(Turkey) is also leading the world alongside Korea in health cooperation, including providing quarantine supplies to 131 countries worldwide."

Spokesperson Kang introduced, "Turkey is also taking phased normalization measures to resume economic activities and daily life," and explained, "Turkey lifted all foreign entry restrictions, including for Koreans, from the 11th, and plans to resume direct flights between Incheon and Istanbul by Turkish Airlines from the 24th."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon evaluated, "I understand that the Turkish government took strong measures such as border closures and curfews immediately after the outbreak, and the recent phased resumption of economic activities is a difficult decision made by the president, supported by successful quarantine efforts."

President Erdogan stated that close economic cooperation between the two countries is necessary to respond to COVID-19 and prepare for the post-COVID era, and expressed hope for further expansion of Korean investment in Turkey. He also mentioned expanding economic cooperation through establishing trade payment systems using the two countries' currencies. Furthermore, he requested President Moon's attention to ensure close cooperation between the two countries in defense and shipbuilding sectors.

Spokesperson Kang said, "President Moon also evaluated that the Korea-Turkey FTA signed in 2013 has contributed to enhancing trade and investment between the two countries, and expressed hope that the bilateral economic joint committee will be held promptly to discuss mutual interests and further strengthen economic cooperation."

Meanwhile, President Erdogan said, "I heard the news that North Korea destroyed the inter-Korean joint liaison office," and stated, "Turkey supports the Korean government's and President Moon's policy for the Korean Peninsula peace process." Spokesperson Kang added, "He expressed a clear position of support, repeating it twice in succession."

President Moon responded, "I appreciate your consistent support for our government's Korean Peninsula peace process," and said, "I also really want to visit the ?anakkale Bridge construction site. I look forward to the day we can meet."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.