Erdogan arrives on first official visit to UAE in nearly a decade

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that his country is beginning a new era in its relations with the United Arab Emirates.

“Through this visit, we aim to develop the momentum gained in relations and take the necessary steps to raise relations to the level they deserve”, Erdogan said before leaving Turkey for Abu Dhabi.

The Turkish president added that the two-day visit, during which talks are being held by the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, will witness the signing of trade agreements.
“The visit will take the steps that will constitute the new 50 years of our friendship and brotherhood with the UAE”, he said.

During the visit, Erdogan said he will discuss the military industry, education and health.
He praised the success of the Dubai Expo despite the coronavirus pandemic, noting that he intends to visit it.

On Sunday, the Turkish presidency announced the program of Erdogan’s visit to the UAE.
Erdogan’s two-day visit to the UAE will take place February 14th and 15th, the Turkish presidency said in a statement. The visit will address bilateral relations in all forms and possibilities for developing cooperation.

The statement revealed that the visit will witness an exchange of views on the latest regional and international developments, within the framework of the concept of achieving and maintaining peace and stability.

The Turkish president’s visit to the UAE includes the signing of agreements aimed at making important contributions to bilateral relations.

According to the statement, the President is also scheduled to take part in the “Turkey exposition”, which will be held on February 15, on the occasion of the “National Day of Turkey”, as part of his visit to the “Expo 2020 Dubai” exhibition.