Guinomla reported to the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that he has met with Osman Bekaroglu, deputy director-general of the Turkish Undersecretariat for Foreign Trade (DTM), last May 30 to assure that "such contacts be sustained to enhance RPTurkish trade ties."

During the meeting, Guinomla said Bekaroglu thanked the Philippines government for assisting the 40-man Turkish business delegation that visited the country from May 9 to 14 this year.

The business delegation "was impressed with the presentation made by the Philippines side and I hope that our presentation also contributed to the success of the meetings," Bekaroglu said.

About 17 various companies engaged in the production of food, machinery, ceramics, construction materials, textiles, carpets and shoes, hazel nuts and car tires comprised the 40man Turkish business delegation, Guinomla said.

Bekaroglu also said the members of the Turkish trade mission had fruitful meetings with Vice President Noli de Castro, Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr., and other government officials in finance, trade, and public works.

He described the meeting of the Turkish delegation with Cruz as "promising" since Turkey aggressively promoted its military industry. He said that some members of the delegation involved in the military industry had joined the week-long visit to Manila from Malaysia.

Guinomla also asked Bekaroglu’s assistance to ensure that the proposed first regular meeting of the Joint Economic Council (JEC) before the year ends will push through following the hosting of the preparatory meeting between the two countries last year in Manila.