HM the King arrives in Turkey

Ankara, Aug. 25 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa arrived here today on an official visit to Turkey at the invitation of Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. HM King Hamad is expected to hold talks with President Erdogan on the solid deep-rooted Bahraini-Turkish relations, and ways to bolster them in various fields. The two leaders will also discuss the latest regional and global developments, as well as issues of common interest. On arrival, HM the King made a statement in which he expressed his pleasure for visiting brotherly Turkey at the invitation of the Turkish President. “We voice pride in the visit which comes at a crucial time that requires solidarity and cooperation among the countries of the region to realize the aspirations of our peoples for achieving robust and comprehensive progress in the political, economic, social and cultural fields, and working out viable and lasting solutions that ensure security and prosperity for all,” HM the King said. “We affirm that our visit to Turkey, a country with a pivotal role in the region, will provide an opportunity to further enhance cooperation between our countries, and consolidate joint consultation and coordination vis-à-vis all regional and global issues, which will push the outstanding long-standing relations between our brotherly countries and peoples forward at all levels and in all fields,” HM the King added. HM King Hamad also said: “We value highly the Republic of Turkey’s supportive stances towards the Kingdom of Bahrain, and its rejection of everything that targets its security and stability. We also renew our principled stance in strongly rejecting any attempt to undermine the constitutional legitimacy in Turkey under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government, or subvert Turkey’s security and civic peace. We also back the measures taken by Turkey to maintain its stability, protect its institutions, preserve its gains and carry on the development and progress for the best interests of the brotherly Turkish people.” The royal convoy then headed to the Presidential Palace in Ankara, where President Erdogan was at the forefront of those who welcomed HM the King. An official reception was held in honour of HM the King. HM the King headed to the Podium of Honour, along with President Erdogan, and the national anthems of the two countries were played. HM the King inspected the Guard of Honour whose members lined up to salute him. After that, HM King Hamad greeted members of the Turkish delegation, including ministers and senior government officials. The Turkish President greeted members of the official delegation accompanying HM the King.