His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Abdullah
Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of Al Diwan Al Amiri Affairs,

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Tokdemir, Director of the State Archives of the
Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye,

Prof Dr. Uğur Ünal, Rector of the Gazi University of Türkiye,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Good evening and welcome.

I would like to thank you all
for joining us here tonight. It’s my pleasure to welcome H.E. Sheikh Mohamed
for honorıng us with his presence. We are grateful for his support that we
always enjoy. Although she couldn’t be with us today, my heartfelt thanks also
go to Her Excellency Sheikha Hussa Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, Founder
and Director General of Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyya, for opening up
the doors of this beautiful and prestigious center for today’s events.

It is indeed
a pleasure to address you from this stage on a very special occasion for us.

We proudly celebrate
this year, the 60^th Anniversary of the establishment of the
diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Kuwait.

The 60-years
long journey of our diplomatic ties is laden with multiple examples of
solidarity extended during challenging times and close collaboration at each
and every step. Over the course of my last two years of service, as the
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, I have witnessed and enjoyed the
strength of our partnership and commitment both Türkiye and Kuwait have shown
to one another.

This
enduring relationship stands on a solid basis. One of the pillars is based on
the shared history, values and the culture which brings our peoples and
countries closer. The other pillars are the ambition and aspiration to develop
our ties further; and a shared vision for future that is mutually embraced by
our leadership, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and His Highness Amir
Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Today,
Türkiye and Kuwait collaborate in all fields, from investments to trade and
defense to tourism. Our bilateral agenda encompasses a plethora of issues based
on common concerns and mutual interests. More so, we approach the developments
in the regional and global scene from a similar standpoint. Both of our
countries are strong advocates for the maintenance of international peace and
security. Türkiye and Kuwait are the leading actors in response to the
humanitarian crises worldwide. From Gaza to Lebanon, in almost every
humanitarian crisis we strive side by side with our Kuwaiti brothers and
sisters, for the common good of humanity.

There is a
saying in Turkish, also a universal phrase I believe, which is I quote “Hard
times always reveals true friends”. Last week, when we were shocked by the
terrorist attack that took place in Ankara, at the capital city of Türkiye, we
once again realized that Kuwait is a true friend. Against this heinous
terrorist attack, Kuwait has shown its strong support and extended its
solidarity with the Turkish people and government.

Indeed, the
depth of our fraternal ties is vast, and there are countless experiences to
share. Yet, I do not want to take too much of your time because we have the
opportunity to enjoy two events together today.

In
celebration of the 60 years of our diplomatic ties, we wanted to avail of the
universal language of music that transcends borders and connect us all. We are
thrilled to have two talented young Turkish artists with us tonight, whom I
will introduce very soon.

We have also
prepared an exhibition to revisit the remarkable journey of Turkish-Kuwaiti
friendship. I invite you to join us in exploring this exhibition following the
concert. The exhibition, titled “60
years of Diplomatic Relations, Enduring Friendship Between Türkiye and Kuwait:
Documents from Archives”, featuring archives, press articles and formal
diplomatic communications serve as enduring testaments to the solidarity and
friendship that have characterized our relationship.

Without the valuable support of the Turkish State
Archives, former and present Directors, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Tokdemir, Director of
the State Archives of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and Prof. Dr.
Uğur Ünal, currently the Rector of the Gazi University, it would not have been possible
to bring to the light the historical evidences of this diplomatic journey. In
addition, I extend my gratitude to Mr. Edip Gazi, MUSIAD Kuwait Representative
who generously helped us in the publishing of the commemorative booklet that
you may find at the Exhibition area.

Without further ado, I would
like to invite our artists to the stage. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Eda
Seviniş on piano and Mr. Umut Sağlam on cello.

Before leaving the stage to
them, I would like to briefly introduce them to you.

Pianist
Eda Seviniş was born in 2001 in Ankara, Türkiye, and is currently based in Berlin.
She won first prize at the International Robert Schumann Competition in 2021 in
Düsseldorf, Germany. Ms. Seviniş has participated in various prestigious music
festivals and academies, including the International Mendelssohn Academy
Leipzig, Chetham’s International Summer Academy for Pianists, and the Golandsky
Institute Summer Symposium. She has also collaborated with many renowned
musicians, such as Daniel Barenboim and Elena Bashkirova.

Cellist
Umut Sağlam was born in 1998 in Ankara, Türkiye. He has participated in festivals
such as the Aurora Music Festival and the Kronberg Cello Akademie. Mr. Sağlam
has performed with esteemed musicians and instructors, including Daniel
Barenboim, Sir András Schiff, Steven Isserlis, and Tabea Zimmermann. In 2022,
he was awarded the Aydın Gün Award by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and
Arts. His other accolades include second prize in the International German and
Austrian Music Competition held in Bulgaria in 2015 and first prize in the
Young Virtuosi Competition held in Italy.

Lastly, to our talented
musicians, thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

And to our esteemed guests,
thank you for joining us this memorable evening.

Please enjoy the performance!