Bolivian leader touts national social movements

ANKARA

Bolivia’s ruling party is the result of various native social movements coming together, said the nation’s president on Monday.

"It's time to defend multiplicity, peace and international justice. We came to a time where the imperialist shares ended," Evo Morales told a news conference in the Turkish capital Ankara, where he is paying an official visit.

Morales stressed that since the establishment of the Republic of Bolivia, nearly 200 years ago, the social movements "became the savior like Simon Bolivar," the legendary 19th century revolutionary leader.

He said that through social programs, they reduced extreme deprivation in the country, raised GDP from $900 in 2005 to more than $4,000, and propelled 3 million Bolivians into the middle class.

While approaching its 2025 bicentennial, Bolivia has a 100-year economic plan, said Morales, covering areas such as agriculture, mining, energy, and fuel.

Morales said that Bolivia is opening up to trading with big markets like Turkey, China and Russia with agricultural exports and bilateral agreements.

After his speech, Morales received a certificate of friendship from Ankara University, delivered by its rector, Erkan Ibis.

Later today, Morales and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hold a joint news conference.