Syeda Amtul

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The Consulate General of Turkey organized a reception at the residence of the Turkish Consul General here to mark the 91st anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on October 29.



Ambassador Jamal Balkhoyor, director general of the Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Development Bank (IDB) officials, assistant secretaries general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), diplomats of various countries with their families and prominent members of the Turkish community attended the event.



The event kicked off with the playing of the national anthems of Turkey and Saudi Arabia.



Consul General of Republic of Turkey Fikret Ozer welcomed the gathering and conveyed the president’s best greetings and wishes on the 91st anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.



In his address to the gathering, 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 proves rightly to be called as one of the leading powers of this region."



He added: "With their stability and large economies, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have a very vital role to play for the peace, security and stability of the region. Therefore, we are glad to see that, as brotherly countries, relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia keep on developing and diversifying in almost every field. This has been manifested in the increasing number of high level visits exchanged between Turkey and Saudi Arabia in recent years."



According to the consul general, with a legislation passed by the Turkish Parliament last year, citizens of Saudi Arabia and Gulf States are now entitled to own property in Turkey.

 

Feedbacks received so far show that the interest among Saudis to stay in Turkey for longer durations is on the rise. This new law in the long run will no doubt contribute significantly to the already close ties enjoyed by Turkish and Saudi people.



Saudis visiting Turkey is rising every year. In 2013, 250,000 Saudi nationals visited Turkey, an increase by 30 percent if compared to figures of the previous year.



He also said: "I would like to express our deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, his government, Ministry of Haj, Ministry of Health and all other Saudi authorities and officials involved in the successful organization of this year’s pilgrimage despite the global health risks and the constraints caused by the ongoing expansion project." Later, the consul general along with Balkhoyor and other diplomats cut the ceremonial cake.