Turkic speaking states must maintain closer ties: former Turkish president

Given the fact that the Turkish-speaking countries have never had political unity, creation of commonwealth of these states as in case of the European Union still remains unrealistic, former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel said in an interview with the Kazakhstan's "Liter" newspaper.

"Presently, Turkish-speaking countries the majority of which are independent states develop their relations in various fields: economy, culture, education and politics, Turkey's president in office from 1993 to 2000 Demirel said.

"But they have never had a political unity and it is hardly possible at this stage of history. We must look at things realistically."

Demirel said Turkey and Kazakhstan, as well as other Turkic-speaking countries should maintain closer ties and encourage processes contributing the integration of their countries.

"The Turkic-speaking countries are independent states. None of them is superior to another and here nobody is elder brother of anyone," Demirel said.

"Only the friendship expressed in an effort to establish good neighborly relations should unite us."

Turkey maintains good relations with its close neighbors and supports integration of the Turkic-speaking countries, which helps private sector in these countries to develop fruitfully the business and trade cooperation, Demirel said.

/Trend News/