Maduro calls on Turkey to increase investments in Venezuela

The Venezuelan president, Nicholas Madurocalled this Friday on Turkey, an important economic and political ally of Venezuela, to increase investments in the Caribbean country that already exceed 850 million dollars.

“The time has come, foreign minister, (…) to expand Turkish investment” in Venezuela, Maduro said in a statement with the foreign minister of TurkeyMevlut Cavusoglu, who is on an official visit to Caracas.

After the signing of 8 cooperation agreements in health, economy, sports and other areas, the president reiterated that Venezuela is “recovering” after years of deep crisis and 8 years of recession.

“It is time, chancellor. I beg you to transmit it to President (Recep Tayipp) Erdogan,” he insisted. “Are we happy with what we’ve done?: Yes. Are we happy with how far we’ve come?: Yes. But can we do more?: Yes.”

The Venezuelan president, who keeps his travels limited amid economic sanctions and the crisis in his country, reported that “very soon” he will be visiting Turkey to accelerate mutual cooperation.

Cavusoglu arrived on Thursday at Caracas accompanied by an official delegation of 14 members to review the agreements between Venezuela and Turkey within the framework of the mixed cooperation between both countries, which began in 2009.

Turkey is one of the main commercial allies of Venezuela, which after the sanctions of the United States has strengthened alliances with countries such as China, Russia or Iran.

The Turkish foreign minister held meetings with different state institutions and Venezuelan businessmen. “I am pleased to see the progress made by Venezuela, (…) I think they will pass it very soon (…) I see a lot economic activitywe see a lot of business in your country”.

Cavusoglu stressed that he hopes to triple investments in Venezuela to some 1.5 billion dollars, according to the translation broadcast by Venezuelan state television during his speech.

Maduro also took the opportunity to congratulate Turkey “for the efforts for peace that they have made with Russia and Ukraine” and wished the “greatest of successes”.