Published By: The Japan Times

Today, we are very pleased to be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey. Our joy is further exhilarated by the fact that this year is also the Year of Turkey in Japan.

Turkish-Japanese relations go back to the end of the last century, when both countries sent emissaries to establish the first diplomatic contracts. Ever since then, the two countries have enjoyed friendly and cordial relations free from any major problems. Lying at the most eastern and western gates of Asia, and as members of the same community of democratic nations, Turkey and Japan have shared the common ideals of liberty, peace, security, stability, and progress.

Furthermore, in times of need, both the governments and the people of the two countries have rushed to help each other. Most recently, when a great earthquake hit Turkey in 1999, the government and people of Japan were among the first to extend assistance to Turkey, an event that has left an everlasting impression in the hearts and minds of the Turkish people.

All this is reflected in political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries, which are developing at a very rapid pace.

Within this context, “2003-The Year of Turkey in Japan ” will be remembered as a memorable event in Turkish-Japanese relations. This year, which was initiated on Feb. 17, 2003, will officially last until March 31, 2004.,and throughout this period approximately 150 events are being organized around Japan with a view to further promote Turkish culture and history in Japan and give the Japanese people the opportunity to get to known Turkey better.

Some of the main events of the year include “Three Great Civilizations in Turkey ; The Hittites, The Byzantine and Ottoman Empire,” sponsored by NHK and organized in collaboration with NHK and Turkish authorities. The exhibition titled “The History of Friendship between Turkey and Japan” in Wako-Ginza; the exhibition titled “Personalities that made Japanese and Turkish Foreign Policies Colorful,” organized by the Japan-Turkey Society; the dance and music spectacle “The Fire of Anatolia” and several folklore shows, music performances, classical music concerts of the Istanbul and Izmir Symphony Orchestras and performances by the Turkish Military Brass Band (Mehter) in various cities in Japan. In addition, Turkey has participated extensively in trade and tourism fairs.

More events are expected to take place between now and March, introducing the modern and traditional aspects of Turkey, whose history stretches back 8000 years. I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to all our Japanese friends who have spared no effort to help make these events a success, as well as those who have participated in and enjoy our activities.

The year has also seen many high level visits between the two countries, including visits to Japan by Bulent Arinc, president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Ertugrul Yalcinbayir, deputy prime minister of state of the Republic of Turkey, and Erkan Mumcu, minister of culture and tourism of the Republic of Turkey. During the course of the year, other high level visits are also expected.

Turkey is in a class of its own geopolitically. It is a bridge between the East and the West, classified as Balkan and European, yet also Middle Eastern, Caucasian and Asian. It is as much a Black Sea country as an Aegean and Mediterranean one, which has given it a rich history and culture. We hope that through our activities, the Japanese people will get a taste of this rich culture and history. We also hope they will realize the many similarities between Turkey and Japan, two geographically distant countries situated at the opposite ends of the Silk Road, yet sharing many values and common cultural aspects, including the same linguistic roots.

Undoubtedly, the best way to get to known a country and its people is to travel there and gain a personal experience. Therefore, we encourage all our Japanese friends to visit Turkey. In recent years there has been a steady increase in the number of Japanese tourists going to Turkey, which is a welcome development, and this offers room for further expanding tourism between our two friendly countries. With its rich history and beautiful tourists attractions both in summer and winter, Turkey offers a vast spectrum of opportunities for Japanese tourists stretching from cultural and historical sightseeing to leisure such as swimming, skiing, golf, quality shopping or simply relaxing in a hospitable atmosphere.

The level of technical cooperation between Japan and Turkey is also rapidly increasing. Various exchange programs for students and young experts in both countries are taking place. No doubt the close interaction between the young people of our countries will bear many fruitful results in the future.

The 80th anniversary of the foundation of the republic also corresponds to a time when great things are being accomplished in Turkey. Following the general elections and the establishment of a one-party government, major improvements in economic indicators such as a visible fall in inflation and budget deficit, more solid growth, increasing foreign trade and above all, a better environment for business and higher consumer confidence are being observed in Turkey.

These important economic developments are also increasing trade and investment possibilities for Japanese businessmen in Turkey. Japan is already one of Turkey 's most important financial and economic partners. Many important industrial and construction projects have been achieved through Turkish-Japanese cooperation in the past, and, in recent years the amount of investment, including direct investment channeled from Japan to Turkey, have been growing.

However, I believe there is still more room for further increasing the economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Japan. Our ambition is to make the most of the existing, yet untapped potential between our two countries through more fruitful economic and commercial partnerships in the best interest of the two sides.

For example, the Southeastern Anatolia Project, the biggest development project ever initiated by the Turkish Republic, and one of the biggest of its kind in the world, could provide good opportunities for Japanese investors.

In addition to extending bilateral relations, Japan may also intensify cooperation with Turkey in third countries in such regions as the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Turkey has deep rooted historical, cultural, and political relations with the countries of these regions. As a country that gives the utmost importance to establishing regional and global peace, stability, security and welfare, Turkey has lead many initiatives in these regions and is a founding member of such organizations as the Economic Cooperation Organization. Furthermore, as a member of the Islamic Conference Organization, Turkey plays an important role in the Islamic world and as the only secular democratic Muslim country in the world; Turkey is a prominent role model in these times of turbulent international relations.

In addition to its ties with the East, Turkey has also been fully integrated with the Western world since 1923, when the republic was established. Being a full member of almost all European and European-related institutions, such as the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development, Turkey also has been candidate for full membership in the European Union since 1999. The Customs Union established in 1995 between Turkey and the EU brings new avenues of cooperation for Turkey and Japan for doing business in Europe.

I have no doubt that both bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields between Turkey and important countries in its surrounding area, and Japan, the worlds second biggest economy, will have fruitful results.

Next year will also mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between Turkey and Japan in 1924 and will give us another occasion to cherish these excellent relations, which have never stopped improving.