ŞİMŞEK: UAE IS A STRATEGIC PARTNER AND FRIEND FOR TÜRKİYE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated its National Day with a diplomatic reception hosted at ATO Congresium in Ankara. Marking the anniversary of the UAE’s founding on 2 December 1971, the day is celebrated as Eid Al Etihad, the union of the seven Emirates.
M. FERHAT YÜKSEL
Attending the event, Türkiye’s Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek highlighted the UAE’s rapid rise as a global success story, stating that its “impressive transformation will continue to strengthen in the coming period.” He emphasized that the UAE is not only an important partner but also a strategic friend for Türkiye, adding that bilateral political relations are currently at a very strong level.
Hosted by the UAE Ambassador to Türkiye, Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri, the reception brought together high-level officials, including Mustafa Varank, Chair of the Türkiye–UAE Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and guests from the business and cultural communities.
A RAPIDLY ADVANCING PARTNERSHIP
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Al Dhaheri highlighted the remarkable momentum in bilateral relations over the past few years. He pointed to the “Emirati House” initiative in Ankara as a symbol of deepening cultural ties between the two nations — showcasing Emirati heritage and hospitality through live performances and storytelling.
The Ambassador also emphasized the UAE’s diplomacy aimed at promoting regional and global stability, dialogue and cooperation.
ECONOMIC ALIGNMENT AND STRATEGIC VISION
Şimşek stated that intensified high-level engagement and institutional mechanisms have made cooperation more result-oriented. The UAE’s ambitions in economic diversification, energy transition, and advanced technologies naturally align with Türkiye’s strong industrial base, skilled workforce, and regional supply chain capacity.
He underlined Türkiye’s commitment to further collaboration in renewable energy, defense industries, advanced manufacturing, AI, and financial technologies.
REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND NEW TRADE FRAMEWORKS
Şimşek stressed that regional integration is crucial amid rising global uncertainty and protectionism. Türkiye’s strong ties with the Middle East and Central Asia offer major opportunities to expand bilateral trade.
He also expressed Türkiye’s expectation that the Türkiye–GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations will be concluded soon, unlocking new economic and investment channels across the region.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS ON DISPLAY
The evening featured UAE cultural performances, traditional music, and Emirati cuisine, signaling a relationship that continues to grow not only in diplomacy and trade but also in culture, tourism, and people-to-people engagement.
