Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu paid a two-day official visit to Bahrain on January 30-31, 2022. The visit reportedly came upon the invitation of the Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
On his arrival on Sunday, the Turkish Minister held talks with his Bahraini counterpart in the capital Manama. According to a diplomatic source, the two top diplomats exchanged views on collaboration, aiming to improve economic and trade relations.
Following the meeting with the Bahraini Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu came together with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
During the meeting that took place at Gudaibiya Palace in the capital Manama, the Turkish FM and Bahraini Crown Prince focused on steps that could be taken to enhance bilateral relations. The statement issued by Bahrain’s state news agency also noted that regional and international issues of common interest were also discussed during the meeting.
On the last day of his visit to Bahrain, Cavusoglu held a joint press conference with his Bahraini counterpart.
Expressing his pleasure of being in “friendly” Bahrain after five years, the Turkish Foreign Minister thanked Abdullah bin Rashid for their hospitality and fruitful talks.
The Turkish FM stressed that his diplomatic contacts in Bahrain remark the increasing rapprochement between Turkey and Gulf countries. It would be an honor to host Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Turkey as soon as possible, Cavusoglu added.
Recalling that a partial standoff still exists between Turkey and some Gulf countries, Cavusoglu said, “What we all desire is that there are no problems between friendly countries and that cooperation comes to the fore. We will continue to work together in this direction. We will continue to work together on the peaceful solution to all problems in our region.”
Pointing out that attempts to resolve those standoffs are being maintained, the Turkish Minister stated that Turkey launched a dialogue with Egypt, and two meetings at the level of deputy foreign ministers have been held so far.
Also, Cavusoglu noted that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February, and Turkey’s national day would be celebrated at the Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Touching on the ongoing process with Saudi Arabia to improve bilateral ties, he said, “I believe there will be positive developments in the future.”
The Turkish Foreign Minister also announced the next round of Joint Economic Commission meetings between Turkey and Bahrain would be held on March 23. In this context, he stated that bilateral trade volume is expected to increase to $750 million by 2023.
Cavusoglu also condemned recent Houthi attacks on the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “Turkey is against all forms of terrorism… We are in solidarity with the UAE and the targeted countries, including Saudi Arabia,” he said.
