ANKARA 

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Ankara inaugurated a week-long culture festival on Sunday, aiming to enhance relations, cooperation, and cultural interaction between Türkiye and the UAE. 

The opening ceremony of the festival, organized by the UAE Embassy at Baskent Millet Bahcesi in Ankara, was attended by Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Serdar Cam, UAE Ambassador to Ankara Saeed Thani Hareb al Dhaheri, representatives from foreign missions, and numerous guests.

Cam stated that such events, which bring together the cultural riches of “two friendly and brotherly countries” and facilitate mutual understanding, significantly contribute to strengthening and developing relations.

Noting that Ankara has always proudly acknowledged the UAE's successes in the fields of economy, trade, and international activities, Cam emphasized that Türkiye will continue to work to further develop these relations through cultural activities and other efforts.

"It is very valuable for strong, capable states to be effective in this region. Therefore, it is crucial for all active states, especially the UAE, to strive for peace and success," Cam said, highlighting efforts to maintain and advance peace.

He further added that Türkiye is making significant efforts to establish peace and tranquility in the region, expanding its activities in every field.

Cam pointed to Türkiye's growing economic strength, with a GDP nearing $1.3 trillion, $60 billion in tourism revenue, and export potential of nearly $300 billion. He emphasized that Türkiye will enhance cooperation with its allies and share its achievements.

Cam also noted that the country hosted 55 million international tourists last year and aims for 60 million this year, adding that Türkiye leads Europe in tourism revenue growth post-pandemic.

"In all international activities, we are at a crossroads where we can grow and expand through cooperation, contributing to the enrichment of commercial, political, and cultural areas,” he said.

Expressing great happiness in celebrating the 51st anniversary of UAE-Türkiye relations, Ambassador al Dhaheri noted that the event highlights the deep cultural connections and shared values between the two peoples, fostering greater understanding of their heritages.

He drew attention to the significant development of UAE-Türkiye relations in recent years, especially in trade, economy, education, and culture.

Al Dhaheri reiterated that while celebrating the diversity and richness of cultures today, culture remains fundamental in building bridges between peoples.

The UAE Embassy in Ankara is hosting the week-long Culture Festival to celebrate friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The festival is open to visitors at Baskent Millet Bahcesi in Ankara on Sept. 15-16 and will continue at the 15 July Martyrs' Square in Umraniye district, Istanbul, on Sept. 19-20.

*Writing by Esra Tekin