Culture, art as important as economy: Turkish president

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA

Culture and art are as important as economy and defense sectors, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday.

"For nations, culture and art are as important as economy and defense industry," Erdogan said during an award ceremony organized by Culture and Tourism Ministry at the Presidential Complex.

Erdogan said economy and defense industry are "determinative" for relations with "concrete powers" of the world, while culture and art determine a country's position with respect to "intangible elements".

"These two together enhance a country and a nation," he added.

He added Turkey can never ignore culture and art, saying in order to use Turkey's potentials "effectively and ideally", the country will launch new policies on culture, art and education.