South African Ambassador in Ankara Tebogo Seokolo said Thursday the trade volume between Turkey and South Africa was worth 2.8 billion USD in 2008.

Speaking to reporters while visiting the governor of southern province of Adana Ilhan Atis, Seokolo said that "when one looks at the economies of the two countries, we could expect Turkish-South African commercial relations to increase significantly in 2009".

"Relations between the two countries are good. Nonetheless, we have a long way to go in our commercial and social relations," Seokolo said.

"I believe it is important for the peoples of the two countries to get to know each other. My most important duty is to help the socialization of the peoples of Turkey and South Africa. We would be very happy to host you during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. I wish the national soccer team of Turkey success," Seokolo said.

Ilhan Atis said that Turkey and South Africa resemble each other.

"I think that there are areas for mutual investments," Atis said.


AA