Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu stated that Turkey has excellent relations with Kuwait and that Turkish companies have carried out successful projects in Kuwait and said, “Turkish companies are ready to take responsibility within the framework of Kuwait’s 2035 development vision.”
Cavusoglu made evaluations to Al Anda newspaper on the relations between the two countries, Kuwait’s role in the recently resolved Gulf Crisis, investment and commercial cooperation in Kuwait, where he came as part of his study visit.
Minister Cavusoglu said, “We have excellent relations with our brother country Kuwait. Our bilateral relations are well established and institutionalized.”
Expressing that Turkey attaches importance to the security and stability of Kuwait, Cavusoglu stated that the strong support Turkey gave to Kuwait during the 1990-1991 invasion is a proof of its commitment to the independence and sovereignty of this country.
Cavusoglu pointed out that the “Joint Cooperation Council” was established in 2014 in order to institutionalize the cooperation between the two countries and develop relations in different fields.
Emphasizing that there are strong contacts between parliaments, Cavusoglu reminded that Kuwait has a strong parliamentary tradition in the Gulf region.
On the economic side, Cavusoglu pointed out that there is a “Joint Economic Committee” and a “Business Forum” that provide the right platforms to advance economic and commercial relations, “We enjoy the excellent relations we plan to maintain for the benefit of Kuwait and the Turkish people as well as the whole region.”
“Kuwait is an example of good judgment, peace and solidarity in the region”
Commenting on Kuwait’s active role in resolving the Gulf crisis, Cavusoglu said:
“Turkey highly appreciates and values Kuwait’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts and its position in maintaining peace and security through dialogue and mutual understanding. After leaving Kuwait, we will visit Oman and Qatar. Visiting Kuwait first has a symbolic significance in the context of the Gulf issue. We appreciate the contribution of Kuwait’s mediation to ending the superficial conflict between Qatar and the Arab Quartet. We congratulate the Kuwait leadership for their forward-looking vision. Kuwait is an example of good judgment, peace and solidarity in the region. Kuwait’s efforts have created a very positive atmosphere for a full and comprehensive resolution of the Gulf conflict. Now that we have left the Gulf crisis behind, we are ready to strengthen our cooperation with the entire Gulf region and to develop our strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), itself a product of Kuwait’s visionary leaders. “
Reminding that the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic negatively affected global trade and caused a decline, he stated that the trade volume with Kuwait, which was $700 million in 2019, decreased to around $600 million in 2020.
Expressing that there is a great potential to increase this figure in the coming period, Cavusohlu said, “Turkish companies are very active in infrastructure projects in Kuwait, which is the key to economic and social development. We have many successful construction companies that have proven themselves worldwide. They are effective and cost-effective.”
Noting that the defense industry is another important area of cooperation, he emphasized that Turkish companies are open to joint production and that this opportunity is important due to its effects on employment and the economy.
Cavusoglu continued as follows:
“Tourism, culture and education are some areas where we can collaborate more. The Turkish tourism sector is still on the positive track despite travel restrictions from all over the world. There is also great potential in health cooperation. The Covid-19 outbreak reminds everyone of the need for health tourism. Our officials in the health sector are also examining the options on this front. I also spoke about this with my brother Sheikh Ahmed. We’ve decided to work together to tackle the epidemic and address food safety. Soon we will produce joint projects. Interpersonal exchanges enrich our excellent relationships. We are looking forward to welcoming our Kuwaiti brothers to Turkey again after the difficult months that were closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Turkey offers significant potential for higher education.”
Minister stated that Turkish companies have undertaken many important and prestigious projects in Kuwait and said, “They are ready to take additional responsibilities within the framework of Kuwait’s 2035 development vision.”
“It is no coincidence that Israel’s illegal actions regarding the destruction of new settlements and homes belonging to Palestinians have increased in recent months.”
Cavusoglu shared his view on the normalization process between some Arab countries and Israel and the Palestine issue. And added saying, “We have noted our reservations about these so-called normalization agreements because we believe they have the potential to undermine the two-state vision and established international parameters for the resolution of this longstanding conflict, which are also included in the UN resolutions.”
He pointed out that the signing of the mentioned agreements also contradicted the basic principles of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, “land for peace” and “peace after normalization”.
Minister mentioned the following:
“These agreements have led Israeli leaders to believe that they do not have to withdraw from occupied Palestinian lands to restore normality in the region. In this context, it is no coincidence that Israel’s illegal actions regarding the destruction of new settlements and Palestinian homes have led to more Palestinian displacement in recent months. Israel now thinks it can continue its illegal activities with more impunity. This mentality will not contribute to the solution of the Palestinian problem but will make it much more difficult. Normalization should not come at the expense of the Palestinian cause.”
Source: Milliyet / Translated by Irem Yildiz