Murat İçcan became the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan – 27.11.2013 Iskenderun News

The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Ankara organized an event in Hatay to promote the country. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for a photography exhibition showcasing Kazakhstan was held jointly by Ambassador Canseyit Tüymebayev, Hatay Deputy Governor Kadim Doğan, Antakya Mayor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lütfü Savaş, and Özova Group Chairman Murat İçcan. Following the exhibition, a slideshow presentation introducing Kazakhstan was given.

Özova Group Chairman Murat İçcan stated in his speech that Turkey and Kazakhstan share a common history and culture, engage in joint ventures in many areas, and that these relations are being strengthened through new investments. Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Ankara Canseyit Tüymebayev noted that Turkish businesspeople have invested in his country in many areas to date, and that visas are not required for entry.

Highlighting the relations between the two countries, Ambassador Tüymebayev announced that he had offered businessman Murat İçcan the position of Honorary Consul of Hatay. Tüymebayev, explaining that he accepted İçcan’s offers, said, “Thus, Hatay has now become even closer to Kazakhstan, and soon there will be a Kazakhstan Honorary Consulate in Hatay, and we will all open it together.” Ambassador Tüymebayev continued:

“Kazakhstan exports oil and underground minerals, strategically important energy resources, to Turkey. The total volume of Turkish investments in the Kazakh economy is approximately $2 billion. To increase mutual trade and investment between our countries, joint companies can be established to transport services and products between Kazakhstan and Turkey, and ground, sea, and air transportation can be utilized. Furthermore, the necessary opportunities exist for joint operations in ports and shipyards. Another area is tourism. We see that our brotherly Turkey has achieved great success in this area. Last year alone, the number of Kazakh tourists visiting Turkey exceeded 250,000.

Nature tourism, in particular, is developing in Kazakhstan. For example, Turkish companies are currently operating in areas like Kenderli, which boasts tourist facilities on the Caspian Sea coast. Therefore, we must increase our joint efforts in this area. In addition to these, agriculture, mining, energy, civil aviation, and other areas awaiting investors remain important. Kazakhstan-Turkey relations, based on our long-standing friendship and eternal brotherhood, will always be strong. I’m sure it will remain as fresh as ever.”
Ambassador Tüymebayev invited the guests to visit and see Kazakhstan.