News Scan for Turkey, July 6th 2016
President Erdoğan says Daesh a ‘dagger stabbed in the chest of Muslims’
Speaking at an event in Istanbul to mark the end of Ramadan, Erdoğan highlighted to price paid in Muslim blood in terror attacks committed by groups such as Daesh and the PKK. “This organization called Daesh is a dagger stabbed into the chest of Muslims,” he said. “Whoever supports this organization through sectarian fanaticism or any other motive becomes a partner in the same sin.”
On Monday, suicide bombers targeted Medina, Qatif and Jeddah. In Medina, four security guards were killed near the Prophet’s Mosque, which is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
http://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2016/07/06/president-erdogan-says-daesh-a-dagger-stabbed-in-the-chest-of-muslims
Turkish-Russian normalization to fuel economic relations: Experts
A downturn in relations occasioned by Turkey’s downing of a Russian jet last November especially impacted economic and trade ties. After roughly nine months of disagreement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to revive their stalled bilateral relationship in their first direct contact on June 29, fueling hopes about restoring economic and trade ties.
Russian Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukayev said the trade and investment relations between Turkey and Russia would be rebuilt, according to a TASS report. “Trade and investment relations with Turkey will be restored,” he said in an interview with Gazeta.ru, TASS reported July 1.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-russian-normalization-to-fuel-economic-relations-experts.aspx?pageID=238&nID=101255&NewsCatID=344
Steps for thaw with Egypt to be different than Russia, Israel processes: Erdoğan
The steps taken for a possible reconciliation with Egypt will be different than the processes that saw Turkey begin to thaw relations with Russia and Israel, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on July 5.
Ties between Turkey and Egypt ruptured in 2013 after the military ousted elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, a close ally of Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) government.
Observers had suggested a rapprochement may be on the cards after last week saw Turkey restore ties with Russia and Israel following bitter diplomatic rows.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/steps-for-thaw-with-egypt-to-be-different-than-russia-israel-processes-erdogan-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=101243&NewsCatID=510
Two continents, one race
You might’ve heard claims that the Bosphorus race is the only swimming competition held between two continents, but you’d be wrong to believe them. The annual Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim on August 30 also takes place between Asia and Europe, and it’s a tradition that’s been around for two years longer than the Bosphorus race. The Istanbul race owes its popularity to its location and relatively easy course. For one day each year, all traffic on the Bosphorus comes to a standstill as swimmers from all over the world navigate the waters from one shore to another.
Contestants in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental are divided into 12 categories by age, with the youngest age group being 14-18. The title of the oldest swimmer to compete in the 70+ age group belongs to Levent Aksüt, who was 83 at the time of the race in 2013. There’s no age limit to how old the competitors can be, but needless to say, all swimmers must have passed physical exams to prove that they can complete the long course.
click link for more reading https://www.timeout.com/istanbul/things-to-do/two-continents-one-race
Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait opens a representative office in Istanbul
Turkey’s Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency granted Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK) permission to open a representative office in Turkey in June 2016. BBK has a diversified shareholder structure that includes citizens of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kuwait Investment Authority, and the Pension Fund of Bahrain. BBK’s shares are listed on the Bahrain Bourse.
Headquartered in Bahrain, the bank has presence in Kuwait, India, and United Arab Emirates. Operating in retail and commercial banking, BBK has obtained the necessary authorizations and licenses from the regulatory bodies in both Bahrain and Turkey to open a representative office in Istanbul. Through this office the bank will be able to liaise with prospective clients, financial institutions, and local enterprises in Turkey that are involved in trade with Bahrain and the GCC. (01 July 2016)
http://www.invest.gov.tr/en-US/infocenter/news/Pages/bank-of-bahrain-kuwait-opens-representative-office-in-istanbul.aspx
IFC to invest in Akfen Energy
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced on June 24, 2016, that the corporation is investing USD 100 million in Akfen Energy to acquire a 16.67 percent stake in the company. Akfen Energy has total capacity of 211 MW and plans to build new renewable plants through this equity investment. Chairman of Akfen Holding Hamdi Akın stated that IFC’s contribution will provide strong support to Akfen Energy’s aim to become a leading player in the renewable sector.
IFC’s investment will support Turkey’s efforts to increase the share of renewables in the energy sector to 30 percent by 2023 and will reduce Turkey’s reliance on fossil fuels. The corporation so far made three equity investments in Turkey, reaching a total investment size of USD 695 million.
IFC has invested in several projects of Akfen Group, including the Mersin International Port Eurobond issue and the construction of TAV Tbilisi Airport. When the procedures are finished, IFC is expected to assign a board member to Akfen Energy as well.
http://www.invest.gov.tr/en-US/infocenter/news/Pages/ifc-invest-in-akfen-energy.aspx
This is a news-scan from major Turkish papers and internet sites. However, we do not verify above stories neither do we vouch for their accuracy.
06.07.2016
compiled by Editor BTT
