New chapter in Lanka-Turkey relations

WGreat potential for enhanced ties - President Abdullah Gul

WLanka, Turkey share many similarities - President Mahinda Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka and Turkey share similarities in values, ideals and concerns and we both have demonstrated a great degree of consistency in defending and upholding the democratic rights of our peoples, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Ankara on Tuesday.

President Rajapaksa was speaking at a banquet held in his honour at the Presidential palace.

The President said: "The Republic of Turkey has moved to the forefront and taken its rightful place as a prominent member of the global community. Undoubtedly, you and your people must take immense pride at Turkey being a cradle of civilisation and with a blend of the East and West, I believe Turkey and Sri Lanka are very similar in this respect. Sri Lanka is also home to an ancient civilisation.

Silk Route

Having been a centre point in the Silk Route of the sea between the East and West, its culture and society are a melting pot of different religious, racial and cultural influences. In the same manner, it is well-known that the Ottoman Empire controlled the Spice Route. It is therefore, a joy to foster age-old ties that we have enjoyed with your country.

"Our peoples have enjoyed what I would like to term as historically 'traditional goodwill', which has stood the test of time. I am proud to state that my visit to Turkey is just beginning, to be a part of that history. I am confident that this visit will have a special place in the annals of our bilateral relationship, as it happens to be the first State visit to Turkey by a leader of Sri Lanka. I will always remember this 'first', with much sentimentality.

Important milestone

The cordial atmosphere in which we held our most fruitful and constructive discussions today, epitomises the kind of important milestone this visit will be, in our friendship and bilateral relations, in the years to come. I am confident that our candid exchanges and the Agreements, that we concluded will contribute to turning a new leaf in the story of solidarity between Sri Lanka and Turkey, thus taking our relations to a new high.

"Sri Lanka and Turkey share similarities in values, ideals and concerns. We both have demonstrated a great degree of consistency in defending and upholding the democratic rights of our peoples. Our two countries actively participate in regional and international fora.

We have found common ground on many an issue, and have worked in close cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

We have very well understood each others' concerns. In this context, let me place on record that Sri Lanka has and will always appreciate, the solidarity shown by Turkey in Sri Lanka's fight against the menace of terrorism. This close affinity has been a telling feature in our bilateral relations, considering the threat of terrorism posed to Turkey.

Turkish assistance

I take this opportunity to personally thank you, the government and people of Turkey for the quick response and assistance extended by Turkey to Sri Lanka in December 2004, when a devastating tsunami hit our shores. We, and especially the survivors of that unfortunate catastrophe who have benefited by Turkish assistance including the building of 450 housing units with a medical centre and all other facilities, hold Turkey and its people a deep debt of gratitude for their generosity and concern in that dark hour of need.

We in Sri Lanka have been witnessing with great admiration the socio economic progress of Turkey, its vibrant and significant strides towards progress and prosperity, while forming constructive partnerships with the community of nations.

Sri Lanka will continue to support Turkey, as it has done over the years.

I am confident that together, we can explore many new vistas to further deepen our bilateral cooperation, for the benefit of our peoples, in the years ahead.

President Abdullah Gul of Turkey said: "Your visit to Turkey is indeed historic. We know that our nations established contact in the distant past.

Commercial interaction

What started as mainly commercial interaction sowed seeds of an affinity towards each other and led to a more diverse relationship in time.

There is no doubt in my mind that your personal involvement has played the most important role in the flourishing of our relations in recent years.

20th Century Impressions

"The geo-political, commercial and cultural importance of your beautiful country was already recognised by other States centuries ago.

I am proud to say that we were among them.

As the "Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon" which was published in 1907 puts it:

" 'The number of foreign consuls established at Colombo is evidence of its importance as a shipping centre and port of call.

All the important powers have representatives there, whilst in addition, the USA, Austria-Hungary and Turkey have Consulates in Galle'. "

"I am confident that Your Excellency's visit to Turkey today will be remembered as a landmark in the future, as this is the first ever Presidential visit from Sri Lanka to Turkey.

"Apart from being a watershed in history, your visit will also bring fresh dynamism to our efforts aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations and open new avenues for better cooperation.

"In this vein, I would like to underline the fact that we have the political will to deepen and diversify our relations with Sri Lanka in all fields.

"In our meeting today, we have taken up bilateral relations, discussed our cooperation in the multilateral fora and exchanged views on several regional and global challenges.

"The bilateral agreements that we signed, with others to come in the near future, will soon complete the legal framework of our relations.

We see a great potential in many areas, ranging from tourism to development projects... In our opinion the total volume of bilateral trade is far from being satisfactory.

The same can be said of our people-to-people contacts and cultural and tourism activities. We believe much can be done to remedy this situation.

"Today we live in a world full of serious challenges. Many of these affect our countries in varying levels.

Terrorism

But I feel the need to especially underline one of them, since it consumes innocent lives, causing enormous damage in Turkey and Sri Lanka. That is terrorism.

"Turkey and Sri Lanka are two countries that suffered greatly from terrorism.

Turkey is against any kind of terrorist act, whatever the reason is. We believe that no terrorist action can be justified on any grounds.

We attach utmost importance to bilateral and multilateral cooperation in dealing with this threat."