By Tugba Altun
ANKARA (AA) – The Bahraini envoy to Ankara celebrated strong relations between the two countries as Türkiye is set to celebrate its centenary this Sunday, Oct. 29
“On the joyous occasion of Türkiye's Republic Day, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Türkiye, celebrating the anniversary of the declaration of your great nation as a republic,” Bahrain’s Ambassador to Türkiye Ebrahim Yusuf Al Abdullah told Anadolu.
“This significant day not only marks a historic milestone but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and progress of Türkiye,” he added.
Noting the “strong diplomatic ties” between the two nations, Al Abdullah said: “These relations have flourished since April 12, 1973, when the two nations established diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level.”
“Türkiye opened its embassy in (the capital) Manama in 1990, while the embassy of Bahrain in Ankara has been operational since 2008,” he added. “Over the years, these diplomatic relations have blossomed into a steadfast and multifaceted partnership.”
Türkiye and Bahrain “have forged a strong and enduring friendship, characterized by high-level visits and collaborative efforts,” he noted.
Al Abdullah cited an August 2016 visit to Türkiye by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, saying it “underscored our commitment to strengthening political, economic, and cultural bonds.”
Similarly, he said, a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Bahrain the following year, “further solidified our relations and opened doors to opportunities for cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, culture, and education.”
“These high-level interactions have played a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding and trust,” he explained.
- Cooperation in a range of areas
Al Abdullah also touted economic relations between Bahrain and Türkiye, as the two countries “have maintained a robust partnership, with non-oil trade volume exceeding $751 million in 2022.”
“This dynamic economic cooperation has played a key role in the growth and prosperity of both nations, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for trade and investment,” he said. “Our economic ties continue to serve as a cornerstone of our bilateral relations, driving innovation and sustainable development.”
Al Abdullah also mentioned cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations, including tourism, agriculture, and education.
“These initiatives have further enriched the vibrant cultural fabric of both nations and strengthened our people-to-people ties,” he said. “Such cultural exchanges have not only deepened our mutual appreciation but have also built bridges of genuine friendship between our citizens.”
On security and legal cooperation, he said, Bahrain and Türkiye “have laid the foundation for collaboration through an agreement on legal cooperation in civil, commercial, and criminal matters.”
“This collaboration has bolstered our nations' security and institutional capabilities, while underlining our shared commitment to advancing and upholding the rule of law,” he said.
“As we look ahead, there are several bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding currently under consideration, spanning diverse sectors such as animal health, veterinary medicine, and cultural cooperation,” he explained.
“These initiatives underscore our shared commitment to enhancing collaboration and diversifying our partnership, and reflect our shared vision for an even stronger and more interconnected relationship,” he added.
Al Abdullah reaffirmed Bahrain's “commitment to deepening our relationship with Türkiye, anchored on shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations, which continue to be the foundation of our friendship.”
“In conclusion, may our enduring partnership between Bahrain and Türkiye continue to thrive, bringing prosperity and success to both nations. Happy Republic Day, Türkiye!”