A series of recent cultural initiatives by the Kingdom of Bahrain have attracted the attention of the global culture community by organizing celebrations of Manama as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2013. Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa received Turkish Bursa Deputy Governor Samet Ercoşkun and Arab Turkish Coordinator Ahmet Onur and discussed prospects of cooperation as part of Manama Capital of Arab Tourism 2013. The Turkish officials hailed the nomination of Manama, Capital of Arab Tourism 2013, stressing Bahrain's historical, archeological, cultural, urban and economic credentials and success in building a tourism hub in the region.
Activities and cooperation in the field of culture are the most important means to better know and understand each other, for the people and for the countries. Enhancement of cultural relations effectively serves to strengthen and diversify cooperation in all fields. This also reflects positively on foreign policy, trade, tourism, and economics." Turkish recent tourism investment expansion policy has further strengthened bilateral cultural exchanges and cooperation, as well as deepened mutual understanding and traditional friendship between Bahrain and Turkey. They will play an important part in consolidating the strategic cooperation between the two countries and their people. Relations between Turkey and Bahrain are being carried out in a positive, cooperative and constructive manner based on a firm basis strengthened by mutual high level official visits. Bahraini administration continuously expresses its keenness for the sustainable development of our bilateral relations and cooperation in every field, showing this determination clearly with actions. Characterizing Turkey as a friendly and brotherly country, Bahrain is always emphasizing that it would like to see Turkey assuming important roles in preserving the security and stability of the region.
H.E Shaikha Mai, Minister of Culture, for her part, pointed during the meeting that the celebrations of Manama as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2013 have triggered a series of modern strategic projects. H.E added that Bahrain's development aspirations are not limited to its geographical location, but they also cover more openness to world experiences, cooperation, intercultural exchange and joyful combinations.
They also stressed their country's keenness on promoting cooperation and bolstering bilateral relations and exchanges.
