‘Japan in Turkey, Two Friends: Sun and Moon’

Former President of Turkey Suleyman Demirel, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener, Union of Turkish Chambers (TOBB) Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu and many Turkish and Japan visitors participated in the gala held at the headquarters of the Turkish-Japanese Foundation in OR-AN.

Speaking at the gala, Demirel reminded that the number of tourists visiting Turkey was restricted to about 100,000 in the 1960s when tourism in Turkey started and said only Japanese tourists visiting Turkey was higher. Demirel said Turkey and Japan were two democratic, friendly countries at the opposite ends of Asia and pointed to similarities between the two nations.

Referring to the economic discrepancy between the two countries, Demirel stated, "Whereas the national income per capita in Japan is about $30,000, it is $3,000 in Turkey. But Turkey’s income level should not be underestimated since it has the 16th largest economy in the world. We have many things to learn from Japan. Japan attained its success as a nation and we should put in efforts to develop as a nation. We should take the opportunity that this year has been declared Turkish year in Japan."

Underlining Japanese contributions to the construction of numerous bridges and dams in Turkey, State Minister Sener said Turkey and Japan have always had friendly relations. Sener said it was a good opportunity that 2003 was declared as "Turkish Year in Japan", but Turkey couldn’t fully benefit from this opportunity because of the Iraq war.

After a concert given by world famous flute player Sefika Kutluer, the documentary was shown.