THIS year the Republic of Turkey celebrates her 89th birthday. Turkey is approaching her centennial anniversary in self-confidence and pride. Turkish-Saudi relations are based on mutual respect, trust, solidarity and deep-rooted friendship. Close relations between the two countries are neither coincidental nor conjectural. It should be kept in mind that in the 1920s, one of the first contacts that the young Turkish Republic has initiated was to establish relations with the Kingdom. I should not forget to pay my deepest respects here to all Turkish and Saudi authorities who served to bring the relations to today's level. And, with due respect, I should also present my deepest gratitude to King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The seeds of today's excellent relations have been laid during his visits to Turkey in 2005 and 2006. Turkey continues to make every effort to ensure a safe future for the already existing good bilateral relations with the Kingdom, which will serve peace and stability of the region as well as its economic wellbeing. We observe with satisfaction that both countries are working together to bring further depth to their bilateral relations and expand areas of cooperation. Turkey and Saudi Arabia enjoy common strategic interests in the region, and support each other in many fields. Both countries make use of this excellent relationship for the benefit of the region and promote peace and stability. Our common cause, which is maintaining peace and stability and increasing the prosperity of our peoples, is noble; our efforts are tireless and therefore we believe that Allah will help us to reach our goals. As before, I would like to present my thanks to King Abdullah and his government for their efforts to further develop the cooperation and solidarity between our dear countries and for the hospitality extended to almost 100,000 Turkish citizens living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I reiterate once again our determination to strengthen our relations in every possible field. I take this opportunity to present my best wishes to all Saudi brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. May Allah protect our brotherly states and peoples.
Ahmet Muhtar Gün Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey
