Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan provided Spain with a lesson in economy. Meeting with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy, the two held a joint press conference during which Rajoy praised Turkey's economy and Erdoğan offered sound advice.

Explaining that Spain is currently in a similar crisis to the one experienced in Turkey in 2002, Prime Minister Erdoğan stated, "We were able to successfully overcome a similar crisis in a scientific, rational and determined manner and approach based on security and stability. During this period of time we made absolutely no concessions on fiscal discipline. Our stability in both growth and lowering unemployment continues."

Erdoğan commented on Spain's support for Turkey's EU accession process, by stating, "Pacta sunt servanda," while also offering up advice to EU leaders to "gain strength in overcoming the crisis."

WE DON'T BELIEVE IN RATINGS

Speaking to businessmen following the press conference, Prime Minister Erdoğan spoke honestly about international credit rating institutions by stating, "We do not really believe in the ratings designated by credit rating institutions. This is due to the fact that we have witnessed a number of upgrades being made to countries that are sinking."

Mentioning that the joint trade volume between Turkey and Spain was 3.5 billion euros in 2003, Prime Minister Erdoğan stated, "Last year, that figure reached 8.5 billion dollars."

RAJOY CONGRATULATES TURKEY

Spanish Prime Minister Mariana Rajoy thanked Turkey for offering shelter to Syrian refugees.
Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy had many words of praise for Turkey's economy and mentioned that the EU and Spain are both experiencing difficulties. "We congratulate the Turkish government. I wish we were in the same position," stated Rajoy.

This is a translation of an article originally written by Yaşar Önel.