Speech at The Turkish Cultural Centre’s
Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister , itz-Carlton Millenia Grand Ballroom
Your Excellencies,
Parliamentary Colleagues,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Iyi Aksamlar (Good Evening),
It gives me great pleasure to be here this evening, to share in the Turkish Cultural Centre's dialogue and dinner. The presence here tonight of Turks, Singaporeans and other friends bears testament to the excellent state of bilateral relations between Singapore and Turkey. The fact that we are marking the 10th anniversary of this dialogue and dinner shows the longevity and warmth of relations that exist between the Turkish community here and your Singaporean friends.
2. I commend the vision of the local Turkish business community, who in 1999, came together with the fervent desire to promote better understanding of their rich culture and heritage. Fuelled by enthusiasm and passion, and backed by a supportive coterie of like-minded businessmen, the Centre has since grown ten years on. Today, TCC serves as a critical link between Singapore and Turkey, offering cultural trips to Turkey, language and cookery classes as well as numerous dialogue activities. This evening, I am also very happy and honoured to join you to break fast during the month of Ramadan. While I am not Muslim, our friendship has transcended culture and religion.
3. Looking at Turkey and Singapore — the two countries, while being very different in history and geography, have striking similarities. In terms of geography, Turkey is the gateway to Europe as well as Central Asia, with vast economic opportunities. Singapore, on the other hand, is at the heart of Asia. Culturally, both countries are at the nexus of interaction between East and West. On the economic front, both Turkey and Singapore must deal with globalisation, while also transacting with our immediate neighbours and the growing Asian market. We are both multi-cultural and multi-religious societies with an amalgam of various ethnic and religious groups all living and working side by side and in harmony. It is this diversity and the ability to progress as a society, regardless of background, race or ethnicity that has been our distinction. This strength in diversity has been an asset for Turkey and Singapore.
Social Harmony
4. Another important similarity is that both countries are secular with separation between religion and the state. The peace and social harmony that we enjoy is something that we must not take for granted. This has been the result of continual and conscious efforts to be tolerant and respectful of our differences, even as we come together. Any single event or careless remark could tear apart in a day, what we have sought to build for decades. As a community, we must strive to build harmony, respect each other's traditions and be open-minded. It is only with this frame of mind that we can successfully build understanding, trust and friendship with people of different cultures and faiths. This is the foundation upon which we can work together to overcome problems and frictions that may arise from living and working so closely together.
Strong Bilateral Ties
5. Singapore and Turkey also have long-standing relations, since the establishment of diplomatic relations forty years ago. We enjoy bilateral cooperation on many areas and both countries are committed to further enhancing and deepening these ties. Last year, Turkey was Singapore's 42nd largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at nearly S$2 billion . Our confidence in this relationship was further cemented when in June this year, the two countries agreed to set up the Singapore-Turkey Business Council.
6. Apart from economic ties, Singapore has also expanded bilateral cooperation with Turkey into the fields of tourism and culture. The number of Singapore tourists visiting Turkey has grown nearly four times from a mere 5,000 in 2002 to 19,000 last year. And going the other way, there were almost 16,000 Turks who travelled to Singapore in 2008.
7. The connectivity between our two countries has also been enhanced. This year in February, a Code Sharing deal between the two national carriers, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines, now gives travellers between Istanbul and Singapore more choice with 10 flights a week between the two cities!
Turkish Cultural Centre in Singapore
8. Going forward, as we deepen our understanding and cooperation with each other, I would like to invite more Turkish companies to regard Singapore as a partner and friend.
9. We greatly value the presence of the more than 50 Turkish companies that have chosen to do business here. The success of Singapore is also the success of our partners, who have placed their confidence in us. Not only is Singapore a place for business, but it is home to some 350 Turks who live here, many of whom are long-term residents.
10. I believe that the Turkish Cultural Centre will continue to play an instrumental role in this connection. Since its establishment in 1999, the Centre has been an excellent interface between the Turkish and the local business community. I am confident it will continue its good work.
Conclusion
11. I look forward to the forging of even closer ties between the two countries, where the Turkish Cultural Centre here will act as a catalyst. I am confident that both nations can and will continue our journey of mutual friendships, engagement, and cooperation. I cite the reputed Turkish mystic poet Yunus Emre who in the 13th century had called for unity and harmony even then:
Come! Let us be friends at once,
Let us make things easy on us,
Let us love and let us be loved,
The earth is left to no one.
12. On this note, I wish you all a very pleasant evening. Tesekkur ederim (Thank you).