Celebrating 51 solid years of shared values, shared future

TDT | Manama        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Today marks the 51st anniversary of the diplomatic bond between the Republic of Turkey and the Kingdom of Bahrain. This milestone underscores the enduring ties between both nations, characterised by solidarity, brotherhood, mutual understanding, and shared values.

In commemoration, Her Excellency Mrs. Esin Çakıl, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Kingdom of Bahrain, said: “Today, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the developments we have been achieved so far and the goals that we set for the future.”

Acknowledging the invaluable support of Bahrain’s leadership, she extended gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Over the past year, Turkey-Bahrain relations have flourished across diverse sectors, including economy, tourism, culture, education, health, and defense. Initiatives such as youth exchange programs, expanded scholarships for Bahraini youth, Turkish language courses at the University of Bahrain, and increased investment from Turkish companies attest to this growth.

High-level engagements, exemplified by the official visit of H.E. Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to Bahrain in January 2024, have bolstered inter-parliamentary relations and bilateral cooperation.

Notably, the bilateral trade volume reached $577 million in 2023, with the signing of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Turkey on 21 March 2024, in Ankara, signaling further economic collaboration.

“As being the 17th biggest economy in the world and a regional powerhouse, Türkiye aims to improve its economic ties with the GCC for the prosperity of the region,” Ambassador Çakıl emphasised.

She reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to the security and stability of the Gulf region, emphasising the country’s role as an active participant in strategic dialogues and maritime security efforts, including its membership in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain.

Top tourism destination

Expressing gratitude to the people of Bahrain for their warmth and interest in Turkey, Ambassador Çakıl highlighted Turkey’s position as a leading tourism destination, having welcomed nearly 65,000 Bahraini visitors in 2023.

With the recent visa exemption for Bahraini citizens, Turkey is poised to remain a preferred destination for Bahraini tourists. In closing, Ambassador Çakıl extended appreciation to the Turkish community in Bahrain “for playing the vital role of the “human link” between Turkey and Bahrain.” She affirmed the enduring partnership between our nations, destined to benefit both peoples and humanity at large.