ShareKUWAIT: On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, the Turkish Embassy held a reception on Sunday at Regency Hotel. Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez praised Kuwait’s efforts and humanitarian activism to ease the suffering of the Palestinian people. “In this respect, as responsible regional actors, Turkiye and Kuwait have been tirelessly engaging in diplomatic efforts to put an end to this suffering,” she said.
“As our President Erdogan pointed out, Gaza is not only an issue for those struggling to survive there, but for all of us. Unless we put out this fire immediately, it will take us to a new spiral of violence that threatens the stability of the entire region,” she added. The ambassador affirmed that the onus is on the shoulders of the international community to address the root causes of the conflict, including ending the occupation of Palestinian territories and allowing the Palestinians to establish their fully independent state.
“This evening is supposed to be the most jubilant time of the year for us as we revel in the joy of the celebration of our National Day. However, we find ourselves touched by the somberness of a humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza. Although our hearts are filled with excitement, they also carry the weight of sorrow,” she stated.
Sonmez highlighted the 60th anniversary of relations between the two countries will be marked in 2024. “Although we have a much older historical friendship, diplomatic relations between Turkiye and Kuwait will mark their 60th anniversary in 2024. So, next year we will be celebrating 60 years of friendship with joyful activities.”
She described the level of relations with Kuwait as “outstanding” and based on robust foundations. “The foundation of the strong bonds of friendship between our nations is marked by mutual trust, sympathy, and cultural similarity. Our nations have a tradition of mutual understanding and affection. And under the guidance of His Excellency President Erdogan and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, our relations have reached an exemplary level and continue to grow stronger,” she said.
Sonmez said the friendship between both leaders has had a huge impact on bilateral relations, paving the way for fostering cooperation in various fields, noting bilateral trade between Turkey and Kuwait is growing, where in 2022, trade volume amounted to $955 million, which is an all-time record. Regarding defense, she revealed that this year, the Kuwaiti government signed a contract to purchase Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drones, which are arguably the most popular drones in the world.
“Apart from these interactions, tourism, education and health also boost friendship between our countries. Turkiye remains the top destination for Kuwaitis, and we are working on new projects to boost people-to-people interaction between our countries. Therefore, as the Turkish ambassador, I will be working diligently to deepen our relations with Kuwait in every field, as I believe this collaboration will benefit not just our countries, but the entire region,” Sonmez concluded.
