Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Consulate General of Turkey organized a reception at the InterContinental Hotel here on Thursday to mark the 92nd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. Adel Abdurrahman Bakhsh, director of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah region, along with diplomats from various countries, their families and prominent members of the Turkish community attended the event, which started with the playing of the national anthems of Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Turkish Consul General Fikret Ozer welcomed the gathering and conveyed his best wishes on the occasion. Speaking about the strong relations with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ozer said, "Turkey and Saudi Arabia are two brotherly countries with common priorities and perspectives on many issues. They have deeply rooted historic ties. With a strong economy and thanks to its influential role in the international organizations such as GCC, AL and OIC, Saudi Arabia rightly deserves to be called one of the leading political and economic powers of this region." With the political and economic stability they enjoy, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have a very vital role to play for the peace, security and stability of the region, he added. "Turkish economy achieved great progress in the past decade. After Turkey has joined the G20, Turkish GDP doubled, ranking Turkey the 16th largest economy among OECD countries. Concurrently, GDP per capita increased during this period. In addition Turkey has not only paid off all its debts to the International Monetary Fund, but also has become a lender," Ozer said. "As we approach the centennial of our republic, Turkey has set herself a number of goals for the year 2023. Some of them include: becoming one of the top 10 economies of the world, achieving a GDP of $2 trillion, an annual trade volume of $1 trillion and hosting 50 million foreign tourists a year." Under legislation passed by the Turkish Parliament three years ago, citizens of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states can now properties in Turkey, Ozer said. "Feedbacks received so far show that the interest among the Saudi people to stay in Turkey for longer durations is on the rise. Opening an additional channel of interaction, this new law in the long run will no doubt contribute significantly to the already close ties enjoyed by Turkish and Saudi people," he added. Increasing number of Saudis visit Turkey each year. In 2014, 341,000 Saudi nationals visited Turkey, a 40 percent increase compared to the previous year. With the online visa application system (www.evisa.gov.tr/en/) launched in 2013, it is now easier than before to obtain a visa to Turkey. Ozer conveyed his country's gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Saudi government and all officials involved in organizing the pilgrimage. Later, the consul general along with Bakhsh and other diplomats cut the ceremonial cake. The event concluded with various cultural programs.
