Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: Direct Tallinn-Istanbul Flight Would Increase Communication

14.05.2012

No. 128-E

Today at the opening of the Estonia-Turkey Intercultural Trade and Education Association (EESTÜRK), Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that hopefully it will become possible to fly directly from Tallinn to Istanbul within the year. “Turkish Airlines has promised to open a direct flight between Tallinn and Istanbul this year,” confirmed Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Tallinn today.

The foreign minister emphasised that Estonia is interested in increasing economic co-operation with Turkey. “The opportunity to fly direct would provide an impetus for business and trade relations as well as the promotion of tourism,” he stated. Paet said that in 2011 Turkey was Estonia’s 22nd trade partner. Estonia’s direct investments in Turkey in 2011 totalled 2 million euros and Turkish direct investments in Estonia totalled 2.8 million euros. “These numbers show that there is still plenty of room to grow in economic relations,” Paet said.

On the topic of cultural relations between the two countries, Paet said that the builders of cross-cultural bridges are already doing excellent work. “Cultural events frequently take place in both Estonia and in Turkey. Just last week a joint Nordic walking event took place in Istanbul and in June the Estonia Opera will give a performance at the prestigious Aspendos opera and ballet festival,” he said. The foreign minister added that Estonia would like to intensify contacts with Turkey in the education and research sectors.

The opening of the Estonia-Turkey Intercultural Trade and Education Association EESTÜRK was attended by Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The association’s primary goal is for Estonians and Turks to get to know each other’s countries better and to promote cross-cultural communication.

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