Kuwait – Turkey’s trade with the energy-rich Gulf is yet to reach its full potential, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, calling for further developing trade with the Gulf states.

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Erdogan launched the expansion project of Kuwait International Airport, which will triple its capacity within the coming six years to 25 million passengers a year to ensure seamless and convenient travel.

“We want to develop trade volume with the Gulf states, which last year reached $17.4 billion,” said Erdogan at the launch.

He told reporters he was happy with his government’s political ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council and had previously said he aims to boost cooperation in the economic and defense sectors.

“Compared with the potential we have, this size is below the required level,” said the Turkish leader.

Turkey’s Limak Construction and its Kuwaiti partner, Kharafi National, laid the foundation stone for the $4.3 billion airport terminal project.

Erdogan and the accompanying official delegation arrived to Kuwait on Tuesday.

The Turkish president and Sheikh Al-Sabah also held a meeting on regional and international issues, as well as bilateral relations.

Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah said the talks tackled historic relations between Kuwait and Turkey, which are always characterized by mutual understanding and sincere willingness to promote and develop bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The talks also addressed ways of utilizing mutual investment opportunities and the current regional and international developments, he added.

Jarrah stated that the official talks were held in a friendly atmosphere that reflected mutual understanding and friendship.