02.03.2016 Ankara
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Chair Khalid Almoayyed signed an agreement for the development of bilateral trade and economic relations.
Hisarcıklıoğlu said,
“Our priority from Bahrain, a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member, is the
reopening of the negotiations for a free trade agreement between Turkey and GCC
and its finalization at the soonest possible time. Your support in this matter
is very important for us. This FTA would form a free trade zone covering the
area lying between eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that Turkey, with its connection with Middle Eastern countries with its roots
in history, has been “A strong proponent for peace in the Middle East and will
continue to be in support of peace.”
Pointing out that
stability and peace are founded on trade relations, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that
the most prominent example of this is Europe.
Hisarcıklıoğlu said,
“Following WWII, steel and coal producers of Europe laid the foundations of the
union in Europe. However much we want countries to become closer in the Middle
East, mutually increasing our profits while bringing prosperity and peace to
the region, then we must increase trade between us.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that the will and opportunity to increase bilateral relations with Bahrain in
all fields including defense is present and that Turkish construction sector,
the second largest in the world, is prepared to take on additional endeavors in
Bahrain.
Stating that
relations would be strengthened as a result of the signing of the business
committee agreement, Hisarcıklığolu said, “This agreement would enable third
countries to take part in our cooperation. This will enable our cooperation to
increase both bilaterally as well as in multiple platforms.”
- “We open our arms to you”
Bahrain Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Chair Khalid El Moayed expressed his wish to see
cooperation between the two countries increase. Stating that Bahrain requires
projects aimed at improving development and infrastructure, El Moayed said that
King of Bahrain and President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
are very supportive of increasing the bilateral relations of both countries.
“We open our arms to
you and are ready to be your second home,” said Moayed, “It is not within
Bahrain’s power to decide Turkey’s membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The delay stems from the other countries of the GCC. It has been 10 years since
the FTA. Bahrain has urged that the agreement be signed as soon as possible.
Hopefully we will be able to bring you good news soon. Once obstacles are
abolished, the way will be open.”