Bahrain-Turkey friendship hailed

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifaunderscored the crucial importance of strengthening bilateral relations, mustering all efforts and expanding cooperation between all countries, particularly Turkey, a pivotal state which plays an influential role in the region. 

He underlined the need to work strenuously so as to reach a stage that preserves the unity and safety of our countries and all other states in the region, for peoples to reap the fruit of development and prosperity. 

Addressing the official session, HM the King welcomed President Erdogan in Bahrain, hailing his key visit which, he said, reflects strong bilateral relations, firm stances and steadily-growing mutual interests. 

He paid tribute to President Erdogan, hailing his strenuous efforts to build model Turkish State that champions the cause of peace and cultivates progress, tolerance and moderation. 

Medal presented

HM the King then bestowed on President Erdogan the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa Medal Excellent Class, the highest distinction in Bahrain, in recognition of his role in strengthening Bahraini-Turkish relations and his dedicated efforts and noble stances in serving the Islamic nation and protecting humanitarian gains. 

The Turkish President, in his speech, paid tribute to HM the King’s visit to Turkey last August, and took pride in the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Medal Excellent Class bestowed on him, which is the highest in Bahrain. 

He prayed to the Almighty that the Bahraini-Turkish friendship relations and cooperation in various areas will last for a long time to come. 

He confirmed Turkey’s support and standing by Bahrain through under all circumstances, and working together for maintaining the region’s stability and security. 

He expressed delight in the wonderful hospitality and reception. Bahraini and Turkish leaders patronized the signing ceremony of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding, including: 

MoU signed

An MoU on mutual exemption of visa fees for holders of ordinary passports was signed by Bahrain’s Minister of Interior and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. 

An MoU on cooperation in the higher education field was signed by Bahrain’s Education Minister Dr. Majid Al-Nuaimi and Turkish Minister of the Economy Nihat Zeybekci. 

The executive programme between Bahrain’s government and Turkey’s government on cooperation in the field of education 2017/2019 was signed by Education Minister Dr. Majid Al-Nuaimi and Turkey’s Energy Minister Berat Albayrak. 

An MoU on cooperation in the field of arms industry was signed by Bahrain’s Defence Affairs Minister Maj-Gen Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma and Turkey’s National Defence Minister Fikri Is?k. 

The two leaders praised the agreements signed which will establish a new starting point to promote Bahraini-Turkish cooperation at all levels. 

HM the King hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the Turkish President and accompanying delegation. 

A convoy of honour, led by the Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, was formed to accompany the Turkish President during his stay in the country.