The following article was contributed by Park Sa-ick, Honorary Consul General of Turkey in Busan and the Chairman & CEO of KyungBoo on the occasion of the Turkey National Day on Oct. 29. - Ed.

 

Turkey sits at a warm, colorful crossroad between East and West. Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a land brimming with cultural history and natural beauty. With an illustrious past, it is now a progressive land rich with opportunity. Turkey is currently celebrating the 85th anniversary of its independence, and has much to celebrate on this special day. Turkey's brightest days are still to come. The dynamic country is currently preparing to join the European Union. The hope is that it will gain membership and have access to the lucrative markets of Europe. Turkey is also a gateway for the countries of Central Asia.

 

High oil prices have brought new wealth to the countries that rose from the ashes of the Soviet Union. Turkey has recently become the 17th largest market for Korean exports, and it is expected to become even larger. Turkey's growth and opportunity cannot be denied. Turkish soldiers fought bravely in the Korean War, so Turkey and Korea have a long history of working together through difficult times. Meanwhile, the people of Turkey are highly impressed with how Korea has developed in the time since they fought together. Turkish leaders have visited Korea to learn more about its way of doing business and how it was able to grow so significantly in such a short time. They plan to follow in Korea's successful economic footsteps. The Honorary Consulate General of Turkey will now take a leading role in promoting economic exchanges between the two countries and will make an effort to spread the message of the strength of cooperation.