Turkey FM inaugurates new consulate in Sri Lanka, aims to develop holistic ties with Asia

Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu inaugurated a new consulate in Sri Lanka, highlighting Turkey's intention to promote cooperation in ecomy, culture, and education. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated that Turkey aims to develop holistic connections with Asia, which has emerged as centre of global ecomic power, according to  Anolu ncy. FM's Twitter anuncement, after being translated, re, 'Today #SriLanka We opened Alanya Office of Horary Consulate of Antalya. Horary Consul Ali Kamburoğlu will contribute to our bilateral relations.'

Cavusoglu emphasised importance of horary consulates in diplomatic engments, citing Ottoman Empire's establishment of first Turkish diplomatic contact with Sri Lanka in 1864, according to Anolu ncy. He spoke about two countries' expanding bilateral ties, saying that y have become stronger since 2004 tsunami, following which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid a visit to country. He went on to say that after Sri Lanka won independence in 1948, Turkey was one of first countries to be recognised as a country in subcontinent. foreign minister also discussed country's financial links with Lanka, stating that two countries h set a target of half a billion dollars, but current amount stands at around USD102 million in first half of 2021.

'Ecomic connections based on "specialised products" would be unsustainable'

According to ncy, Cavusoglu suggested that maintaining ecomic connections based on "specialised products" would be unsustainable. He also vised that health and tourism industries incorporate and study relationships. 'Turkey will furr develop our cooperation with friendly Sri Lanka in framework of our Asia Anew Initiative,' Cavusoglu said in a tweet.

Sri Lanka's Ambassor to Turkey Mohamed Rizvi Hassen was quoted as saying by Anolu ncy, "Your generous gesture toward Sri Lanka reflects our two countries’ historical brorly relations. I must say Turkey is a true friend." According to ncy, SL ambassor furr stated that, by launching consulate, Sri Lanka hopes to increase tre, investment, tourist, and cultural contacts, as well as people-to-people contact with this Turkey.  Antalya region offers numerous prospects that might unite Sri Lankan business community.  initiative to open this office provides an opportunity to investigate unexplored prospects in Antalya for benefit of people of Turkey and Sri Lanka.

(With inputs from ANI)

Im: Twitter