This year, as we mark the meaningful milestone of the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Türkiye and Bahrain, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise the profound and brotherly ties between Türkiye and Bahrain, and to reaffirm the principles that have guided our enduring partnership through the decades.
Although Turkish-Bahraini diplomatic ties were officially established in 1973, the cultural and human bonds between our peoples long predate formal boundaries.
The heartfelt friendship between our people is tangible, creating a fertile ground for our relations to develop continuously.
Throughout the years, from diplomacy to educational exchange, from commerce to tourism, our co-operation has grown steadily in both scope and substance. Guided by mutual respect, shared interests and a strong sense of regional responsibility, Türkiye and Bahrain enjoy a resilient and forward-looking partnership.
In Bahrain, we see a voice of wisdom and moderation, which echoes for promoting regional and international peace.
Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, and His Majesty King Hamad, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, we stay committed to seize each and every opportunity that fosters meaningful co-operation.
In the beginning of 2025, we were proud to host Bahrain Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam in Türkiye, upon the invitation of Prof Dr Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
It was a brilliant start to the year to further thrive our relationship. We are equally honoured to host Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani within the scope of the fourth edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, whose visit displays our well-established solidarity and shared diplomatic vision.
However, beyond the number of high-level visits and trade volumes, the real depth of our relationship reveals itself in the daily aspects of our lives.
It is in the hospitality of a Bahraini home that welcomes Turkish guests with open arms, as I saw the best examples of it during my visits to the Ramadan majlises across the country.
Bahraini hospitality and kindness is exceptional and I am deeply inspired by the peaceful and welcoming nature of these noble people.
Our friendship is also woven through the shared aspirations of students crossing borders to seek knowledge, through the footsteps of tourists exploring new cities, and through the curiosity that binds our cultures even closer with every passing year.
On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Dr Al Zayani and to the sisterly people of Bahrain for their unwavering support and partnership.
I also pay tribute to the Turkish community in Bahrain, our biggest source of pride and joy, who continue to serve as cultural ambassadors of our nation.
May the bonds between Türkiye and Bahrain grow stronger, rooted in respect, enriched by co-operation, and lifted by the winds of common ideals!