JEDDAH: Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who begins a visit to Saudi Arabia today at the head of a high-level delegation, said his three-day visit was aimed at providing a new impetus to the historic and strong relations between the two Muslim countries.
“Turkey and Saudi Arabia are two friendly and brotherly countries linked together with strong historical, religious, social and cultural ties. We, as the people of the Republic of Turkey, attach great importance to relations with our Saudi brethren,” the president said.
In a message to Saudis on the eve of his state visit, Gul commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s role in strengthening Saudi-Turkish relations.
“King Abdullah’s visits to Turkey in 2006 and 2007 heralded the start of a new era in bilateral relations. As president of a country that is a natural bridge between eastern and western civilizations, I believe that enhancing relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia will not only benefit the peoples of both countries but other peoples of our region as well,” Gul said.
As regional leaders, Turkey and Saudi Arabia pursue constructive foreign policies to establish peace and stability in the Middle East and the world, the message said, adding that the two countries held similar views on regional and international issues.
The president expressed his satisfaction over the expanding economic cooperation, with the volume of two-way trade exceeding $5 billion. He hoped that more Saudi businessmen would invest in Turkey, the 15th largest economy in the world. He disclosed plans to establish Turkish trade offices in Riyadh and Jeddah very shortly.
The Turkish president, who will be accompanied by more than 100 businessmen, is optimistic that economic relations between the two countries would grow further in the coming years. “We expect Saudi Arabia would make major agricultural investments in Turkey.”
He expressed his happiness over the increasing number of Saudi tourists visiting Turkey. “In 2008, the number of Saudi tourists visiting our country doubled, compared to the previous year, to more than 70,000,” he added.
Cultural relations also received a boost last year with Ankara and Istanbul hosting “Saudi Cultural Days” on Oct. 22-28, and Turkey participating in Janadriyah Heritage and Culture Festival as a guest country.
“These positive developments in the areas of culture and tourism will further reinforce the relations between our peoples who understand each other and harbor sentiments of friendship. For this reason, Turkey has made it possible for Saudi Arabians to obtain visas at the border gates,” the president said.
He thanked the Saudi government for taking care of more than 100,000 Turkish citizens living in Saudi Arabia as well as for the hospitality it extends to the tens of thousands Turks who visit the Kingdom for Haj and Umrah.
“Turkey provides ample opportunities for students who seek education in various fields. It is possible to receive education in all fields in the 132 universities around the country,” the president told Saudis. He also highlighted the advanced health facilities in Turkey.
Meanwhile, the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry said it would hold a meeting with Gul and his delegation in Riyadh tomorrow to explore prospects of expanding trade and investment cooperation.
