DUBAI: Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum hosted Turkey’s president at Expo 2020 on Tuesday.
“A new phase of UAE-Turkish strategic partnership is established,” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter. “Our economic relations hold great prospects. I am optimistic about the regional stability and prosperity, led by both countries,” he added.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan celebrated Turkey’s National Day at the Expo site on the second day of his visit to the UAE.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan poses with children as he visits Turkish Pavilion of Expo 2020 Dubai, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates February 15, 2022. (Reuters)
Visitors at Expo were given Turkey’s flag to wave as Erdogan toured the country’s pavilion following a Turkish musical performance under the fair's main dome.
Standing before a select audience, Erdogan congratulated the country for organising “this large scale event” despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“The progress achieved by the UAE on the basis of the leadership and vision of the late Sheikh Zayed is truly commendable,” Erdogan said in his speech.“One of the works that reflect the exemplary breakthroughs of the Emirates is undoubtedly Dubai Expo,” he added.
Turkey’s President Erdogan is received by the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum at Expo 2020 on Feb.15, 2022.(@HHShkMohd)
Sheikh Mohammed said Turkey’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai offered both countries an opportunity to explore new avenues to expand economic and cultural ties, Emirates News Agency reported.
The two 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 memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries on Monday.
Sheikh Mohammed also expressed the UAE’s keenness to usher in a new phase of collaboration that will serve the interests of both nations.
He said that 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.
The two officials also discussed their views on new initiatives that can further promote peace, security, and stability in the region.
On Monday evening, Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa was lit up with Turkey’s red and white crescent-and-star flag in honor of Erdogan’s visit.
“Tonight, we welcome the president of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to the UAE with a spectacular LED show,” the landmark’s Twitter page stated.
Erdogan was welcomed to Abu Dhabi by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on Monday at the UAE’s presidential palace Qasr Al-Watan. The two officials held talks and witnessed the signing of 13 cooperation agreements between their countries.
