PM back with open-ended Turkey scholarship offer

An open-ended scholarship offer has been made to St Vincent and the Grenadines by the government of the Republic of Turkey.{{more}}

This is one of the “practical results” announced by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves following his six-day official visit to Turkey.

Dr Gonsalves said that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has left the number of scholarships to be awarded up to him (Dr Gonsalves) to decide.

At a press conference last Tuesday, Dr Gonsalves also said that a group of Turkish investors is expected in this country in the next two months to examine investment opportunities.

He said that the group of investors will particularly be looking at this country’s tourism sector.

Dr Gonsalves, who is the first CARICOM Prime Minister to make an official visit to the Eurasian country, which has a population of 80 million, also secured a commitment from Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan for the Argyle International Airport.

Prime Minister Erdogan agreed to assist either through the provision of construction material, heavy-duty equipment, or financial and technical support.

There was also an agreement to pursue a long term strategy for increased cooperation with St Vincent and the Grenadines and the broader CARICOM region in the areas of Climate Change, Disaster preparedness, Tourism and Small Business development among other things.

Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves also announced that two candidates are in the forefront of consideration to be named as Honorary Consul of St Vincent and the Grenadines to Turkey.

Dr Gonsalves told reporters that he reiterated this country’s pledge of support for candidacy of Turkey for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2009- 2010.

The bid by the city of Izmir to host the World Exposition in 2015 under the theme “New Routes to a better world: Health for all” will also be strongly supported by this country, Dr Gonsalves said.

Dr Gonsalves, who was accompanied on the trip by his wife Eloise, Ambassador to the United Nations Camillo Gonsalves, and High Commissioner to London Cenio Lewis, also visited several historic and cultural sites, and had meetings with several important officials in Turkey. (KJ)