Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen has said that Bangladesh and Turkiye have strong and deep-rooted relations and they are committed to further enhancing and diversifying the bilateral relations in all fields.
“We are aiming to further our bilateral trade volume, which is around $1.2 billion,” he said, adding that Turkish Airlines’ direct flights between Dhaka and Istanbul have been making great contributions to the promotion of the bilateral relations.
The Turkish ambassador was speaking at a reception marking the National Day of Turkey on Sunday night. Law Minister Anisul Huq also spoke at the reception as the chief guest.
In February 2024, the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“I am also pleased that relations between our private companies have been improving and there have been some important joint investments,” said the ambassador.
At the outset, the envoy expressed gratitude and respect to Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkiye, his comrades-in-arms and the people who lost their lives during the Turkish War of Independence. “I wish Allah’s mercy upon them.”
“On February 6, this year, my country experienced a devastating earthquake. I wish to pay my tribute to Turkish citizens who lost their lives during the earthquake. I wish Allah’s mercy upon them,” he said.
He reiterated their gratitude for the support and solidarity extended to Turkey by the people and the government of Bangladesh in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Since October 7, the envoy said, they are witnessing great suffering and tragedy in Palestine and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have been working in close cooperation with their counterparts to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.
“Turkish people and Turkish government have been and will continue to be in solidarity with the people and government of Palestine,” said the ambassador.
The ambassador also read out the message of Erdogan, president of the Republic of Turkiye, issued on the occasion of Republic Day.
Political leaders, businesspeople and senior journalists, among others, were present.