Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines
Esteemed representatives of Consular Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor for me to stand before you tonight and have the opportunity to say a few words on why and how we can further strengthen our cultural and economic relations.

But before that let me first congratulate our Turkish citizens who are with us tonight for the centenary anniversary of the birth of our Republic. Three days ago we celebrated the 100th year of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye. This anniversary symbolizes the resilience, unity, and progress of our nation and is indeed a momentous occasion for our people. So I believe it is a great timing that we are organizing tonight’s event at a time that our country is celebrating its centenary birthday.

Dear friends,

As you well know the roots of the Turkish Chinese relations go way back than the modern times.

Centuries ago, the Silk Road emerged as the lifeblood of our civilizations, connecting the heartland of Anatolia to China. It was a testament to the unyielding spirit of our ancestors, fostering the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across vast distances. This ancient trade route not only facilitated economic prosperity but also laid the foundation for our lasting friendship that rests on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep appreciation for one another's rich traditions.

Today, we find ourselves in a new era. With the visionary and ambitious Belt and Road Initiative echoing the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, Türkiye and China are working as two close partners to rekindle these historic ties that bind nations, creating a modern network of economic cooperation that transcends borders and reshaping the global economic landscape.

In this regard it is crucial that we recognize the immense potential that lies within the further development of Turkish-Chinese economic relations. We are two nations with rich, connected histories, and forward-looking visions. We have embarked on a journey of mutual growth and prosperity, seeking to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities. Together we have the power to ignite economic engines that not only can benefit our nations but also can create strong synergies with our regional partners.

In order to create the necessary basis to tap into our economic potentials, I believe fostering deeper cultural understanding between our peoples is equally paramount. A shared cultural understanding and appreciation for our respective cultures fosters mutual trust and forms a foundation upon which we can build lasting collaborations. Cultural exchange encourages the exchange of ideas, innovations, and new perspectives, which can spark creativity and drive innovation in our economic ventures. Vibrant cultural connections also enhance tourism, a significant economic driver, as our people are more likely to visit and engage with a country they feel culturally connected to. By nurturing the cultural ties between our countries, we can further bring our people closer, deepen our commercial ties and create a legacy that transcends generations.

In this dynamic context, the invaluable role played by our national airlines cannot be overstated. Turkish Airlines as our national flag carrier since 1933 and as a major global player, has been serving as a bridge for almost 25 years, connecting Turkish and Chinese peoples and facilitating the exchange of ideas, culture, and commerce. In this period where both our countries have witnessed immense change and transformation, Turkish Airlines has always stood as a strong symbol of our commitment to forging stronger ties between our countries.

In this regard the decision of China Eastern to start direct flights from Shanghai to Istanbul this September is also a strong step towards consolidating our mutual bonds. The cooperation between Turkish Airlines and China Eastern, two esteemed airlines each with their unique strengths and capabilities, I believe will create a synergy that will amplify our collective impact.

In conclusion as we look forward, I feel strong optimism for the future of the Turkish-Chinese relations. I see boundless opportunities for enhanced trade, cultural exchange, and scientific collaboration. I see a future where we work together building bridges of friendship and understanding that will enrich both our nations and bring our future generations further closer.

Thank you.