Okada visited both the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace after visiting the construction site of the Marmaray project, which will connect İstanbul’s Asian and European sides via an undersea commuter train line.
The foundations were laid for the Marmaray line by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on May 9, 2004, and construction is being carried out by the General Directorate of Railroads, Ports and Airports Construction (DLH), Japanese contractor Taisei Corporation, Turkish firm Gama-Nurol and the Avrasya Consultancy firm. Executives from Taisei Corporation informed the visiting minister about the course of affairs on the project. Okada’s visit to Turkey coincides with a ceremony marking the start of Japan Year 2010 in Turkey. He is scheduled to meet with his Turkish counterpart, Ahmet Davutoğlu, and President Abdullah Gül during the visit.
Japan Year 2010 in Turkey festivities will take place throughout the year. Ondekoza, a group comprising drummers Ichitaro and Sato Akihiro and flute player Nakamura Masaki will hold concerts in Ankara, İstanbul and Yalova throughout the year. Cherry trees, a symbol of Japan, will be planted in 10 Turkish provinces. A film festival featuring Japanese films will be held in İstanbul on Jan. 15-17.
