JEDDAH: Turkish President Abdullah Gul said yesterday that the growing Saudi-Turkish relations would pave the way for establishing a strong economic partnership between businessmen of the two countries in areas such as education, industry, tourism, real estate and construction.

Addressing businessmen at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), the Turkish president said he wanted to see the volume of two-way trade increased from $5.5 billion to $10 billion.

“Strengthening of relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey would have positive effect on reinforcing peace and stability in the world,” Gul told a large gathering of businessmen and other prominent personalities at the JCCI. Gul was accompanied by more than 100 Turkish businessmen and officials.

“Turkey is not the old Turkey. We have changed our investment and trade regulations, providing Turkish and foreign investors equal rights,” the president said and praised Saudis investing in Turkey. “My door is open for Saudi businessman and investors and I am ready to solve all their problems,” the president added.

Turkish construction companies have won No. 3 position in the world, Gul said, expressing Turkey’s readiness to participate in the Kingdom’s construction projects.

Gul also spoke about the possibility of increasing the number of flights between the two countries from 35 weekly flights, especially during summer to cater to the needs of growing Saudi tourists.

Mohammed bin Abdul Qader Al-Fadl, chairman of JCCI, said Gul’s visit would strengthen economic and commercial relations and promote joint investment projects. He called on Turkish businessmen and companies to see the incentives offered by the Kingdom to foreign investors.

Abdullah Binmahfouz, vice chairman of JCCI, said the success of Saudi investors in Turkey has encouraged many Saudi businessmen to enter this large market that provides access to European countries.

“The economic reforms in Turkey have made investment procedures easier.”

Gul and members of his entourage were given a grand reception at the chamber and received by Al-Fadl, his deputies — Mazen Batterjee and Binmahfouz — Ahmed Mohamed Ali, president of IDB and Saleh Kamel, president of the Islamic Chamber. Gul was accompanied by Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza.

— Input from Sultan Altamimi