27 Aug 2019 14:20

Erdogan sets task of increasing trade with Russia four-fold

ZHUKOVSKY. Aug 27 (Interfax) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for increasing bilateral trade with Russia from the current $25 billion to $100 billion.

"Trade turnover between our countries already tops $25 billion, but it is our task to reach the amount of $100 billion," Erdogan said at the opening ceremony of the MAKS 2019 international aerospace show in Zhukovsky, Moscow region.

Turkey's aerospace exports have been growing year by year, Erdogan said. "Aerospace exports amounted to $0.5 billion in 2018," he said.

Speaking of the latest achievements, Erdogan mentioned a new plane, a helicopter, and development of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Cooperation between Russia and Turkey will give a boost to aviation and space technologies, he said.

Economic cooperation with Russia has deep roots, Erdogan said. He underlined the significance of tourist arrivals from Russia. "Our country continuously breaks records for Russian tourist arrivals. We are expecting about 6 million Russian tourists to visit the country this year," Erdogan said.