Speech by President S R Nathan at the State Banquet hosted by President Abdullah Gül of the Republic of Turkey

TURKEY AND SINGAPORE – BEST OF EAST AND WEST

Your Excellency, President Abdullah Gül,
Mrs Gül,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

      I am delighted to be here today in your beautiful and historic country.   It is fitting that I undertake my State Visit to Turkey this year because 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.  We have come a long way.  Bilaterally, our relationship is secure and developing steadily.  We see a steady stream of visitors between Singapore and Turkey at Ministerial, Parliamentary, senior official levels, as well as our citizens.  We work closely on a wide range of issues, from cultural exchanges, to contacts on security matters, and the promotion of interfaith dialogue and understanding. Singapore and Turkey cooperate closely on issues of common interest at the United Nations and other international fora.  We are also building up our economic links.  Indeed, I am pleased to have in my delegation a number of Singapore’s top companies and business leaders who are keen to explore more business links with Turkey.  

Your Excellency,
 
     Turkey occupies a strategic position between the East and the West.  You command the cross-roads of three regions – the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe – blending the facts of geography with the forces of history, and always striving for a harmonious fusion.  Your success story resonates with countries in the region and beyond. Likewise, Singapore has from times past been at the cross-roads of trade and commerce in Asia.  Today we are a global city engaging the wider world.  
With our multi-cultural mix, we in Singapore also have our own synthesis of the best of Asia and the West.  We may be different in size and history, but Turkey and Singapore share many similar qualities as we combine the best of the East and the West.

      First, both Singapore and Turkey have a cosmopolitan outlook underpinned by our rich cultural heritage.  As cosmopolitan hubs in our respective regions, Turkey and Singapore bridge the gap between countries, cultures and peoples.  We have both flourished because of our natural inclination to welcome foreign investments and encourage international trade.

      We encourage education and the development of entrepreneurial skills as important prerequisites for social change among our people.  As a part of Europe with deep links to other regions, Turkey plays a pivotal role in efforts to create a more secure and tolerant world.  As a gateway to ASEAN and East Asia, Singapore also actively strives to enhance tolerance and understanding in our region.  Given these common interests, our two countries are well-placed to work more closely together to promote inter-civilisational dialogue.

     Second, we both provide connectivity for our wider regions through trade, transport and energy routes.  Turkey and Singapore are in ideal locations to benefit from the development and trade of the wider regions around us. In the global economy, connectivity is an important driver for economic growth. Singapore is a key transport, transhipment and communications hub, while Turkey is a key logistics, transport and shipping corridor, and a springboard for regional travel.  We share our know-how in these areas and there is scope for further exchanges for mutual benefit.

     Third, we are committed to strengthening co-operation and promoting peace and stability in our respective regions. Turkey and Singapore have good relations with the West and the East and with Muslim nations. We also maintain good relations with the US, China, India, and the EU. Singapore is constructively engaged in helping to shape an open and inclusive architecture in our region. Turkey’s international profile is increasingly prominent.  You are one of this region’s leading powers and have embarked on commendable efforts to help resolve conflicts in your region.  In our own ways, we are all working towards the creation of a better world for all of us.

     To conclude, I believe that these areas of commonality offer fertile ground for building an enduring friendship. As gateways to our respective regions, there is clear benefit in deepening our relations and stepping up exchanges and dialogue.  I am confident that with this State visit, our relations will reach a higher plane. I hope Your Excellency will find it possible to accept my invitation to pay a State Visit to Singapore before long, to take our relations further.

Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

      Please join me now in a toast to the good health and success of His Excellency Abdullah Gül and Mrs Gül, and to the peace and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Turkey.