Monday 06 / May / 2024
Muscat: With the aim of developing trade, tourism, and economic relations between the Turkish city of of Bursa and Muscat, the Turkish embassy organised a ceremony in Muscat, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Muscat on Tuesday.
An introductory function was organised about Bursa under the slogan 'Bursa Promotion Day'.
Bursa is one of the important Turkish cities that receives great attention due to its beauty, neighbourhoods and landmarks, and the aesthetic charm of its green nature and cultural heritage.
The inauguration of the ceremony was attended by Muhammet Hekimoğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey accredited to the Sultanate of Oman, and more than 100 people, including the Mayor of Bursa, Turkish and Omani tourist and medical travel companies, as well as a number of Omani and Turkish media professionals.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Muhammet Hekimoğlu, said in an exclusive interview to Times of Oman: “I have heard a lot of good things about the Sultanate of Oman before I came to as an ambassador to Muscat in January 2023. I was amazed with the Omani-Islamic architecture and civilised culture evident on the buildings here, the kindness of the people of Oman, the manner in which they welcome guests, their respect for residents, visitors and fellow citizens. The love for their country and their adherence to customs and traditions is commendable. Their aspiration to progress in all fields and their relentless pursuit to develop their country and their interest in science, economy, trade and tourism is commendable.”
The ambassador indicated that he is also looking forward to introducing his country and strengthening the bonds of bilateral relations between Oman and Türkiye, diplomatic, commercial and tourism, citing the historical and exceptional relations of the two countries, describing the Sultanate as a country of peace.
The Turkish ambassador hopes that Omanis will travel for tourism, trade and investment to Bursa and other Turkish cities.
The Mayor of Bursa, Aliinur Aktar, said in an exclusive interview to Times of Oman: “I am very happy to be in Oman, and this is my first time to the Sultanate. I previously visited the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Bahrain, today I am here among you and felt so happy to be among Omani officials and citizens. I have heard that Omanis are generous, hospitable and kind people. “
He also said: “I came to introduce Omanis to the city of Bursa, of which I am the mayor, and I hope to develop the two countries’ relationship in tourism and trade.”
The Mayor of Bursa confirmed that tourism in his city is very rich with the presence of many prominent natural places, such as waterfalls, lakes, forests and high mountains, which have become a centre of attraction for tourists from around the globe.
He pointed out that the Bursa city was called the Green Bursa because of its many forests, one of which includes the “historic tree” that is more than 600 years old. It is also distinguished by the fact that it includes the longest cable car in the world, extending for over 9 kilometres. Adding that it was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, which includes many historical monuments, such as the Great Mosque, which dates back to the period between 1396 and 1400.
