GCC-Turkey partnership vital for economic development - UAE minister

ANKARA, Feb 7 (KUNA) -- UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Al-Mansoori stressed on the importance of the partnership between the Gulf countries and Turkey to boost economic development in the region.
In a joint conference with Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek on Tuesday, Al-Mansoori noted that the GCC countries were a prominent economic power, sharing a joint market and a customs union.
He added that the Gulf States have signed several free trade agreements with many countries and economic groups.
Meanwhile, the minister said that his country aimed to further boost cooperation with Turkey in the field, adding that the UAE aimed to attract more Turkish investments.
Al-Mansoori said the UAE is eager to create economic diversity, noting that the country used to rely on oil by 90 percent in 1970, while the percentage dropped to less than 30 by now.
He hoped Turkey and the UAE would also achieve partnership in education, research, health, renewable energy and space studies.
On his part, Simsek noted that the two sides were eager to boost cooperation between their private and public sectors on all levels.
He thanked the UAE for allowing Turkish companies to execute 107 projects worth USD ten billion.
Al-Mansoori has arrived in Ankara yesterday to head the Emirati delegation in the ninth session of the UAE-Turkey joint economic committee. (end) rs.ag