NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas has asked the Republic of Turkey, a G-20 country, for assistance in ensuring that smaller developing states have a voice within the global economic forum for a level playing field.
This call came as His Excellency Sir William Allen, Deputy to the Governor General accepted Letters of Credence from Her Excellency Inci Tümay, as Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, during a ceremony Thursday, November 11 at Government House.
“I am confident that the bi-lateral relations between The Bahamas and Turkey will prove as rewarding as the relations we have shared in the context of the various multi-lateral institutions to which our respective countries belong,” Sir William said.
He noted that both countries share fruitful traditions, democracy, liberal economies, respect for human rights and the rule of law. In this vein, he congratulated Turkey on the recent adoption of constitutional reform, and expressed confidence in the further enhancement and strengthening of democratic institutions in that country.
“I also wish to recognise your country’s commitment to international co-operation, and specifically, to developing and sustaining mutually beneficial relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, and the countries of Latin America,” Sir William said.
He said he was pleased that Turkey declared 2006 as the “Year of the Caribbean and Latin America,” which demonstrated its commitment to the region through its contributions to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, and to the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.
“Turkey, as a G-20 county has seen tremendous economic and industrial success. As such, The Bahamas anticipates that your country will use its position to ensure that smaller developing states have a voice within this forum, allowing for fair and equitable policies to ensure that these states may share in similar success,” Sir William said.
Turkey and The Bahamas share tourism as a mainstay of their respective economies, which presents an opportunity for the exchange of skills and knowledge. Also, both countries boast strong maritime traditions; The Bahamas being the world’s third largest ship registry. Turkey’s largest industry is textiles and clothing; its other basic industries are banking, transport and communication. The country has a population of 74.8 million people.
Turkey and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) share an equitable and valuable partnership based on cooperation, mutual respect and shared values. Both parties have enjoyed a shared commitment to strengthen ongoing and potential cooperation in the areas of climate change, disaster management, education, tourism and trade.
On May 31, 2010, Turkey accredited its first representative to CARICOM, at the CARICOM Secretariat in George Town, Guyana, a signal to further enhance relations between the two. Ambassador Tümay said Turkey is aware of the progress achieved in The Bahamas since its independence on July 10, 1973.
“My government initiated an Action Plan towards Latin American and Caribbean countries with a view to further enhancing Turkey’s relations and cooperation with these regions. At this juncture, Turkey wishes to further develop mutually beneficial relations and cooperation also with The Bahamas,” she said.
“As a G-20 member country, Turkey will continue to work harder to further strengthen its economy and become one of the leading industrial countries in the next decade,” the ambassador said. Ambassador Tümay also met with the Rt Hon Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister; the Hon Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; members of the Diplomatic Corps; and other government officials.
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
