The official duty certificate for Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem who was nominated as a worthy candidate for the post of the Honorary Consul of Spain in the Marmara Region was handed over to him by the Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül during a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry (of the Turkish Republic) with the attendance of the Ambassador of Spain Luis Felipe Fernândez de la Pena on February 2.

In 1989, the Turkish – Spanish Work Council was set up within the organization of the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK) established by Turgut Özal to develop and strengthen economic, political and cultural relations between Turkey and Spain and since then it has heralded many significant achievements under the chairmanship of Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem. Apart from commercial and financial ventures between Turkey and Spain, the Council has made important contributions to Turkey's ascension to full EU membership while also playing a major role in Turkey becoming Spain’s sixth largest trade partner. The DEIK Turkish – Spanish Work Council also contributed to the significant increase in investments by Spanish companies in Turkey over the last years by bringing about powerful partnerships in many sectors, particularly manufacturing.

Inauguration of Honorary Consulate of Spain in Marmara Region The official opening of the representation of Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem who was found worthy of the post of Honorary Chief Consul of Spain in the Marmara Region because of this contributions to the development of cooperation and friendly relations between Spain and Turkey at the Izmit Dolphin Trade Center took place on April 14 in the presence of the Minister of the Environment and Forestry Osman Pepe, Ambassador of Spain Luis Fernândez de la Pena, the late 8th President (of the Turkish Republic) Turgut Özal's wife Semra Özal, for the purpose of the Honorary Chief Consulate of Spain governing the provinces İzmit, Adapazarı, Bursa, Yalova, Sakarya, Bolu, Bilecik, Balıkesir to serve as a center dedicated to the development of commercial, cultural and social relations between the two countries.

Turkey’s biggest friend in EU
In his statement on the appointment of Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem as Honorary Consul of Spain in the Marmara region the Spain’s Ambassador to Ankara Luis Felipe Fernândez de la Reha drew attention to his important contributions with regard to relations between the two countries, and underlined that Spain is a very important country for Turkey. Dr. Erdem said that Spain has always staunchly stood by Turkey and that it is even ahead of Germany regarding its support on EU issues. Dr. Erdem went on to say that long term, low interest loan facilities were granted for investments, adding that Spain is a successful country in a broad sphere ranging from the manufacture of industrial products to organic food, anti-air pollution, transportation : "A low interest, 37-year total loan of US$ 40 million with a grace period of 17 years thereon has been provided by Spain for the maintenance and restructuring of the Istanbul-Ankara railway. Spain is ready to provide a loan for the steel that may be required for the construction of the envisioned Çanakkale Straits bridge. The amount will be US$ 600 million, and considering the prospects of the Çanakkale straits, railways, rapid train (it should not be forgotten that) Spanish companies are among the world’s leaders; in the production of equipment and tools, transport aircraft and helicopters for naval, road and air transportation, thus the Spanish government and companies are interested in all kinds of joint ventures. They invite us for joint works in Latin America."

Second time thanks from Spain to Dr. Erdem
Dr.Erdem, having served as Chairman of the DEIK Turkish-Spanish Work Council for 13 years, was found worthy of the award of "Commander of the Order of the Spanish Civil Merit" by Spanish King Juan Carlos I in 2002.