Erdogan adviser sees recovery in Turkey ties with Germany, EU
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Ties
Ankara, Sept. 13, 2017 (Reuters/NAN) Ankara’s relations with NATO ally Germany, hit by a deepening row, are expected to improve alongside a general upturn in ties with the EU IN 2018, Erdogan’s chief economic adviser Cemil Ertem said on Wednesday.
He said the development will boost Turkish export and tourism prospects.
“I expect more calm with Germany after the Sept. 24 (German) election. I expect tensions to ease,” Ertem said.
Turkish-German ties have come under pressure since Erdogan launched a crackdown after a failed coup last year.
Germany has criticised mass arrests, refused to extradite people Turkey says were involved in the putsch and demanded the release of around a dozen German citizens arrested in recent months.
“Turkey’s relations with the European Union will be rapidly repaired from the first quarter of 2018.
“I think Turkey’s exports to the EU will increase further.
The expected improvement in EU relations was also expected to lead to a “very good year” for tourism in 2018,” Ertem said.
The number of European tourists visiting Turkey has declined due to security concerns over the last couple of years.
Ertem also said that the economy would grow around 5.5-6 per cent within the year adding that by 2018, it will be seen in a range of 5-7 per cent. (Reuters/NAN)
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Felix Ajide