Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu first met with Turkey’s Ambassador to Belgium İsmail Hakkı Musa. Aftewards, visiting the Turkey EU Permanent Mission, Hisarcıklıoğlu was hosted by Turkey EU Permanent Representative Selim Yener. Lastly, being briefed on the most recent news regarding Belgium-Turkey and EU-Turkey relations, Hisarcıklıoğlu met with the European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs and the Euro, Ollie Rehn.

Rehn, with a full agenda caused by the Greece economic crisis, was delayed to the meeting. Upon commenting that Hisarcıklıoğlu could guess why Rehn was late, Hisarcıklıoğlu replied, “We can guess, and Turkey is very lucky,” to which Rehn replied, “Yes, you are very lucky in this regard.”

- “The developments in Europe interest us greatly”

After his meeting with Rehn, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated, “As you know, Mr. Rehn, when he used to be the commissioner responsible for expansion, was a supportive and helpful friend in Turkey’s negotiation period. We found the opportunity work closely with him. His position as the European Commision Vice President, for his responsibility regarding Europe’s economy; the reason we are visiting him is to discuss Turkey’s foreign trade relations with the EU and especially the path European economy will take with the present crisis. As you are well aware, 50% of Turkey’s foreign trade is conducted with Europe. 80% of companies investing in Turkey are European. In terms of finances and investment, we are using Europe’s resources. Therefore the developments which happen there are of great interest to us.”

Stating that they have related the experiences gained and lessons learned by Turkey from the crises we’ve overcome, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that they’ve voiced their concerns regarding the fact that Turkey-EU relations and negotiation have ground to a stop. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he would be meeting with the President of the Greek Union of Chambers when he travels to Greece, after Belgium, and that he will relate their experiences there as well.
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