Turkish FM denies investigation claims on German firms

ANKARA

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu denied on Saturday claims that German firms in Turkey were under investigation.

In an interview with broadcaster A Haber, Cavusoglu reassured foreign investors in the country, saying Turkey was “providing advantages” for them amid a tension with Germany, which claimed firms were being investigated.

“We have no such investigation or examination on German companies,” Cavusoglu said.

Earlier this week, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel had said that Berlin would not encourage German businessmen to invest in Turkey, nor would it provide investment guarantees to German firms.

Cavusoglu said that Turkey was providing various advantages to all foreign companies. “German companies are also happy with this,” he added.

Turkish minister went on saying that it was a mutual relationship that these firms were contributing to the Turkish economy as well as increasing its exports and also they were making money.

Earlier today, Cavusoglu had a phone call with his German counterpart Gabriel amid recent tension between Ankara and Berlin.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu also said on Saturday that it was “impossible” for Turkey to launch such an investigation.

“We do not think wrong about any person who entrusts their money here [in Turkey], make investments and provide employment for our citizens,” Soylu said, speaking to the members of the Justice and Development Party in Turkey’s northeast province of Bayburt.

Reporting by Zuhal Demirci and Tuba Yardimci; Writing by Handan Kazanci