THE Turkish Government is forging ahead with its diplomatic agenda, seeking Guyana’s support as it builds partnerships at the bilateral and multilateral levels amidst civil unrest in a nation that has been making headlines around the world.

The country’s Charge d’Affaires in the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kurtulus Aykan, met President Donald Ramotar on Monday on his first visit to Guyana for talks relating to his country’s programme of cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean, among other areas.
Guyana has gained the interest of the Turkish private sector for social responsibility projects in the area of road infrastructure, health and education, Mr. Aykan told the Government Information Agency (GINA).
“Health is a very much important theme nowadays especially in Turkey, the countries surrounding Turkey and especially in Latin America. There is always a health problem. It’s the primary need of the population,” Mr. Aykan said.
Also, as Turkey seeks membership to the United Nations Security Council in 2016 and its candidature for Expo 2020 in Izmir, the country’s third largest city, Mr. Aykan said his country will be counting on Guyana’s patronage.
His working visit to Guyana includes meetings with ministers of the Government, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.
The delegation accompanying Mr. Aykan in his meeting with President Ramotar included executives of the Princess Hotel, whose owner is a Turkish native.