Sheikh Mohammed said Turkey’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai offers both countries an opportunity to explore new avenues to expand economic and cultural ties, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, have discussed the future of strategic ties between two countries at Expo 2020 Dubai. The Turkish President, who is currently on an official visit to the UAE, participated in his country’s national day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed President Erdogan and his accompanying delegation to the UAE, in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
Sheikh Mohammed said Turkey’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai offers both countries an opportunity to explore new avenues to expand economic and cultural ties. His Highness also highlighted the importance of mutual visits of leaders from the two nations, which will give an impetus to bilateral relations and collaboration in diverse spheres.
Both leaders discussed the future of the strategic partnership between the two nations and ways to promote economic cooperation. They also discussed ways to involve the private sector in expanding ties in various areas, especially those covered by the agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries including investment, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, industry, advanced technologies, climate, culture and youth, among others.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed the UAE’s keenness to usher in a new phase of collaboration that will serve the interests of both nations. The two leaders discussed how they can work together to maximise the two countries’ human resources and talent as well as expand technical and economic collaboration and exchange of expertise mainly in the areas of technology, innovation, space, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the regional and international stature that Turkey has built under the leadership of President Erdogan. He also said the cooperation between the UAE and Turkey will contribute to further enhancing security and stability across the region, which will help promote investment and economic growth.
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The meeting also reviewed the latest regional and international developments. The two sides discussed their views on new initiatives that can further promote peace, security and stability across the region.
The Turkish President also congratulated the UAE on the exceptional organisation of Expo 2020 Dubai. Following the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hosted a lunch in honour of the Turkish President and his accompanying delegation.
Erdogan seeks investments
President Erdogan also met with representatives of major Emirati companies in the presence of Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
President Erdogan affirmed that a new phase began in the relations between the UAE and Turkey after Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit to Turkey in November 2021. He noted that the two countries have a strong will to develop their ties, most notably in commercial and investment areas.
The UAE is Turkey’s leading trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, and Turkey aims to enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries, he noted.
President Erdogan affirmed that his country and the UAE share common interest in technology, an area, which, he said, represents a viable prospect for increased cooperation between the two nations..
“With a population 85 million, Turkey boasts a growing manufacturing, robust infrastructure and a privileged geographical location,” the Turkish president added, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has proven the resilience of the Turkish economy. He stressed that Turkey offers attractive incentives to foreign investors, including conducive legislation and business friendly environment.
President Erdogan concluded by highlighting the willingness of relevant authorities in Turkey to provide Emirati investors with all required information about investments in Turkey, hoping his meeting with the representatives of Emirati companies would be a steppingstone for accelerating cooperation between the two sides.
