Impetus for bilateral relations

ELIF COMOGLU ULGEN, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Dubai, assumed her duties in early January this year. Ten days later she had the honour to host the President of Turkey Abdullah Gul and his entourage. “This presidential visit was after 15 years and really meant a lot to us. We were happy that it was warm heartedly reciprocated by the UAE side. By mid-February we had the honour to receive His Highness General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in Ankara. These mutual visits have given a very good impetus to Turkey-UAE relations,” said Ulgen in an interview with Khaleej Times.

She stressed that friendship between the two countries was always there. “The relationship is just getting stronger. We have witnessed an increase in the number of visitors from Turkey to the UAE and vice-versa. The number of Emiratis visiting Turkey has increased 90 per cent by May this year compared to May 2011. This is an extraordinary figure. There were reasons encouraging this tourism increase,” she adds.

Improved economic conditions have been attracting business delegations to Turkey. Turkish entrepreneurs have been travelling to Dubai and the UAE as well. “We believe that at the end of the year we will be registering an increase in trade volume between the two countries. We have witnessed so many success stories through fairs and exhibitions that are held in Dubai,” she notes.

Meanwhile, Turkish soap operas are a popular cultural phenomenon in this region bringing in its wake a renaissance of Turkey’s soft power. “I must mention the importance of Turkish soap operas. These have helped people better understand Turkish culture, fashion and music. These factors ease my way of doing business in this country. As the Consul General of Turkey, I have been welcomed in all circles in a very warm way. I think this is a perfect time for Turkey-UAE relations to flourish. Inshallah, we will be witnessing better results in different fields — business, culture, social and economic as well,” she adds.

Ulgen is proud as Turkey celebrates its 89^th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. She says, “Declaration as a Republic means a lot to us. At that time people were very poor, and the proclamation meant the collapse of a big empire, the victory of the poor against the wealthy and mighty powers of those days. This served as a success story not only for us, but had ramifications in the wider region that followed the Turkish national struggle. This is why the proclamation is a proud part of our national history. Today, the Republic is 89 years old, but we belong to a nation that is hundreds of years old. Today, Turkey stands as a role model for many countries, which makes me proud. It has a successful flourishing economy, and a dynamic population and society. We try to live as a responsible member of the international society, which is understood and appreciated in this part of the world.”

Ulgen strongly believes in human bonds. She says, “I pay utmost attention to human warmth, the relationship between people. The more we know each other, the more we will have a better and stable relationship. Dubai is a city of big brands. I would love to see more Turkish names, brands and landmarks in Dubai. Also, through UAE investments, we should be able to see names, brands and landmarks of the UAE in Turkey. Currently, for example, we have the Turkish hotel chain, Rixos, here. In Dubai Mall, we have Mudo, which is a famous Turkish fashion retail brand, and indeed many others are either just opened or are on their way to enter the Dubai market. Turkey is known for its cuisine and kebabs, and has well-known brands in the food sector. Before the end of this year I am looking forward to the inauguration of more Turkish restaurants in Dubai.”

With a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations, Ulgen thoroughly enjoys her duties. “My professional life in Dubai is very lively. You have to multi-task as a diplomat. You meet a lot of people from different walks of life, from business, culture and politics. As a woman Consul General I find myself privileged to reach out to society, both in the UAE and at international levels, devoted to women and children. I really like my duties here. I am satisfied and happy from a career point of view,” she asserts.

Ulgen successfully balances her career and life. “I am a mother of three boys. My husband is a businessman in Istanbul and commutes frequently. We love the social life in Dubai. It is the most child-friendly city I have ever served, with so many activities for children. Weekends are spent with my three boys. We have to appreciate the sunny, warm weather Dubai offers.”

The Consul General wants more people to explore Turkey. “Istanbul is a magical, metropolitan city of 15 million people, but as the Consul General I try to promote other cities as beautiful and interesting as Istanbul. We have wonderful villages in the Black Sea, South Mediterranean and the western part. You have to spare more time to explore other places,” she states. — suchitra@khaleejtimes.com