Turkish prime minister leaves for Kyrgyzstan

ANKARA (A.A)- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country would continue extending support to Kyrgyzstan in its efforts to ensure an environment of tranquillity and tolerance. 
Prime Minister Erdogan told reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure for Kyrgyzstan that relations with Central Asian countries were among priorities of the Turkish foreign policy. 
"Our cooperation and solidarity with Central Asian nations will continue on historical, cultural and humanitarian basis," he indicated.  
Prime Minister Erdogan said that Kyrgyzstan would celebrate the 20th anniversary of its independence this year, adding, "last year, Kyrgyzstan witnessed ethnic clashes in its southern part. Turkey has always extended support to Kyrgyzstan, and it will continue contributing efforts to ensure an environment of tranquillity and tolerance in this country."
He recalled that it would be the first high-level visit to Kyrgyzstan since formation of the new parliament last year. 
Erdogan told reporters that he would hold talks with Kyrgyz President Roza Otunbaeva, Parliament Speaker Akhmatbek Keldibekov and Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev.
"I will have the chance to meet with Turkish businessmen and citizens living in this country. I will also attend inauguration of Turkish chancellery building and ,Turkey-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum," he said.
Referring to the recent developments in Egypt, Prime Minister Erdogan said, "I decided to postpone my scheduled visit to Cairo. I will travel to Egypt as soon as everything return to normal." 
State ministers Zafer Caglayan and Faruk Celik, National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul and Industry & Trade Minister Nihat Ergun are accompanying Prime Minister Erdogan.