Airport, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Good for Business, Tourism, Transport

"Turkish Airlines has promised to open a direct flight between Tallinn and Istanbul this year," confirmed Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Tallinn on May 11, 2012.

The foreign minister emphasized that Estonia is interested in increasing economic co-operation with Turkey, writes LETA.

"The opportunity to fly direct would provide an impetus for business and trade relations as well as the promotion of tourism," he stated.

Paet said that in 2011 Turkey was Estonia's 22nd trade partner. Estonia's direct investments in Turkey in 2011 totaled two million euros and Turkish direct investments in Estonia totaled 2.8 million euros.

"These numbers show that there is still plenty of room to grow in economic relations," Paet said.

Speaking on the topic of cultural relations between two countries, Paet said that the builders of cross-cultural bridges are already doing excellent work.

"Cultural events frequently take place in both Estonia and in Turkey. Just last week a joint Nordic walking event took place in Istanbul and in June the Estonia Opera will give a performance at the prestigious Aspendos opera and ballet festival," he said.

The foreign minister added that Estonia would like to intensify contacts with Turkey in the education and research sectors.

The opening of the Estonia-Turkey Intercultural Trade and Education Association EESTURK was attended by Paet and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The association's primary goal is for Estonians and Turks to get to know the countries better and to promote cross-cultural communication.