The 29/10/2016 is our National Day, the 93rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. Let me at the outset mention that Turkey — as you know — on the night of July 15, 2016 faced a very difficult test with the strength of Turkish people's will. It was an inauspicious military coup attempt by a group dressed up in uniforms. It was stopped thanks to the wisdom of our president and the courage of our people who sacrificed their lives and their blood. As a result of tank attacks, planes bombing civilian areas and helicopter firings, 251 citizens were martyred and 2,200 were wounded. May Allah have mercy on the martyrs and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured. We thank all the citizens of Saudi Arabia, led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, who expressed their support to our country and our government with their sincere condolences to the souls of our martyrs and their wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured. Turkey was established 93 years ago under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who led the nation's war of liberation, became its first president and set the country on a path to modernization. Today's Turkey stands as a testament to the vision; an independent, secular, democratic and increasingly prosperous country. Turkey, in line with its most fundamental foreign policy principle, embodied in Great Ataturk's famous saying "Peace at Home, Peace in the World" strives actively to spread peace all around the globe. Located between the two continents, Turkey is considered as a geographical bridge between Asia and Europe as well as being a cultural bridge between the West and the East. Turkish economy achieved great progress in the past decade. After Turkey joined the G20 group, Turkish GDP rose double ranking Turkey the 16th largest economy among the OECD countries. Its economy continues to grow despite the global economic crises and events imposed by the wars in Syria, Iraq, and in spite of failed coup attempt. Concurrently, GDP per capita income increased during this period. In addition Turkey has not only paid off all its debts to the International Monetary Fund ın 2013, but also has become a lender. As we approach the centennial of our Republic, Turkey has set itself a number of goals for the year 2023. Some of them are, "Becoming one of the top 10 economies of the world" "increasing its income and annual trade volume", and "receiving 50 million tourists a year". With its steadily growing economy, democracy reaching higher standards, resolute objective of joining the European Union, membership of the G20, and active policies on international platforms, Turkey will never shy away from mobilizing its wide experiences for the sake of regional and global peace and for the benefit of humanity. In line with this principle, Turkey has accepted 3 million Syrians brothers and half a million of Iraqi brothers who emigrated from oppression and injustice and have spent for their livelihood $25 billion so far. Our current economic situation is stable and it so far gives us confidence that these targets are realistic and within our reach. On the other hand, Turkey has assumed the Presidency of G20 last year. During its term, Turkey concentrated its endeavors on the effective implementation of commitments made by G20 members towards the goals of global economic recovery and inclusive economic growth. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are two brotherly countries with common priorities and perspectives on many issues. They have deeply rooted historic ties. With a strong economy and thanks to its influential role in the international organizations such as GCC, AL and OIC, Saudi Arabia is rightly called as one of the leading political and economic powers of this region. Thanks to the stability they enjoy and their big economies, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have a vital role to play for peace, security and stability of the region. Therefore, we are glad to see that, as brotherly countries, relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia keep on developing and diversifying in almost every field. This has been manifested in the increasing number of high-level visits exchanged between the two countries in recent years. Our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Saudi Arabia, King Salman also paid a visit to Turkey as well as Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, and Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense. In addition to that several mutual visits by different ministers and delegations have taken place. With regard to trade relations the trade volume between the two countries have reached the limits of $6.5 billion. This figure is a growing trend in the trade, which is flourishing in many different areas by implementing projects in the Kingdom with Saudi companies and Saudi investors in Turkey. With the new legislation, citizens of Saudi Arabia and Gulf States are now entitled to own property in Turkey. The feedback we have received so far shows that the interest among the Saudi people to stay in Turkey for longer durations is on the rise. Opening additional culture and economic channels of interaction, contributes significantly to the already close ties enjoyed by Turkish and Saudi peoples. The number of Saudis visiting Turkey every year has reached about half a million. With the new online visa application system (www.evisa.gov.tr/en/) launched in 2013, it is now easier as never before to obtain a visa to Turkey. It takes only a few minutes to conclude an application. Also the Consulate General of Turkey issues multiple five years visa for those who frequently visit Turkey. Here I would like to point out that the Turkish Consulate General in Jeddah is serving the Turkish community as well as the people of the Saudi Arabia that hosts us on its territory. On the other hand, Haj and Umrah visits bring an additional dimension to the Turkish-Saudi relations. Half million Turkish pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia yearly. I would like to express our deep gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, his government, Ministry of Haj, Ministry of Health and all other Saudi authorities and officials involved in the organization of the very successful season of Haj. I once again take this opportunity to extend on behalf of the Turkish people and myself our heartfelt thanks to all. Fikret Özer
