President Erdogan of Turkey who is on a working visit to Bahrain held a closed-door meeting with King Hamad to discuss means of expanding their cooperation and strengthening their bilateral ties as well as issues of common interest.
After the closed door meeting between the two leaders, the two countries signed several agreements, including a Memoranda of Understanding on the mutual exemption of visa fees for holders of ordinary passports, a cooperation agreement in the field of higher education as well as an accord on arms and industry.
The Bahraini Ruler underscored the crucial importance of strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between his country and Turkey that he described, according to local media, as “a pivotal state which plays an influential role in the region.”
He underlined the need to work actively to reach a stage that preserves the unity and safety of the two countries and of all other states in the region, so that peoples of the region reap the fruit of development and prosperity.
He also expressed his appreciation for the visiting president’s effort to build a model Turkish State that champions the cause of peace and cultivates progress, tolerance and moderation.
Erdogan vowed to continue supporting Bahrain and cooperating with it in maintaining regional peace, stability and security. Both countries are facing security challenges.
Manama is the first stop of the Turkish president’s four-day tour of the Gulf region and the most awaited amongst them is his visit to Riyadh where he will meet King Salman.
Turkish-Saudi talks will focus on developments in Syria as Ankara is deepening its military engagement in the war torn country.
