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.”
