Interview with H.E. Fatih Ulusoy and Mrs. Seyma Nur Ulusoy
The mission of envoy is most critical in developing cordial relationship between two countries and the ambassador who represents the respective country must have the vision to initiate diverse range of approaches in deepening the progress of many layers of vital projects, which contribute to the progress of political climate, science, technology, education, culture, etc., all of which are essential to establish a strong bond between two countries but above all to create a new platform of civilization. Certainly, Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy has embraced most of the important ingredients to be a successful diplomat. The ambassador’s career as a diplomat has been manifold successful, with the support of his spouse. Mrs. Seyma Nur Ulusoy, the ambassador’s visionary wife, infused a visible level of humanity in the diplomatic circle. She has been an intelligent lady who has established layers of unseen relationships in securing solid state of diplomacy between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. Having known the ambassador Fatih Ulusoy and Mrs. Seyma Nur Ulusoy has been truly an honor to me and my discussion with them reflects my deep respect to them.
In 2023, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a series of agreements with Saudi Arabia during his official tour to the Gulf. Please discuss the achievements of the two countries thus far and the expectations from these agreements.
Saudi Arabia has always been a very special country for Türkiye. Türkiye and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep rooted governmental and people-people relations in all aspects. The main philosophy of our cooperation is to share our strengths and achieve win-win results. These factors lay the foundation and norms for our fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia.
During the visit of the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Jeddah in July 2023, four governmental agreements were signed in the fields of defense, investment, energy, and media, bringing Türkiye and Saudi Arabia even closer. While these areas are key to our future cooperation, it is not limited to these areas. In many infrastructure facilities in Saudi Arabia, it is not difficult to find a Turkish-made design or material. However, Türkiye will now become increasingly visible not only in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure sector.
We have frequent ministerial and high-level visits between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. For example, during FII7 in late October 2023, our Finance Minister HE Mehmet Şimşek signed a deal on cooperation in financial areas with his Saudi counterpart HE Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan. As Saudi Arabia is going through a massive historic transformation, this era represents enormous opportunities to further prosper our relations and cooperation. We have contributed to the development of Saudi Arabia in the past and we will be walking together with Saudi Arabia through its important journey under the Vision 2030.
Saudi-Turkish trade is growing rapidly, reaching $6.5 billion in 2022. Which products from Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are in highest demand? Which products do you think need more promotion in the two countries?
Bilateral trade is expected to continue to increase, and the current target for the short term is at least $10 billion per year, which I believe is achievable. Saudi Arabia’s exports to Türkiye have traditionally been led by the petrochemical sector. However, as local production increases, it will diversify; we should not also underestimate the popularity of Saudi dates in Türkiye.
In terms of Turkish exports to Saudi Arabia, construction materials, furniture, machinery, food items, automotive spare parts and textile would be among the leading items. In addition, we very much look forward to promote additional areas such as medical equipment, pharma, defense and security materials, software and IT services, entertainment, system engineering services, organic products, which constitute areas representing Türkiye’s strengths.
We have frequent trade missions visiting Saudi Arabia and Türkiye fully supports companies’ participation in trade fairs in Saudi Arabia. I believe that when we resume our free trade negotiations with the Gulf, we will have enormous potential to increase our trade volume many folds.
Apart from defense and security, where do you see the potential for Saudi entrepreneurs to invest in Türkiye?
Türkiye represents a great opportunity for investors. It has a large domestic market of over 85 million people, as well as hundreds of millions of people within 2-3 hours flight time, representing a huge regional market, also taking into account the Customs Union with the European Union.
We are one of the fastest growing economies with an average annual GDP growth of 5.4% (2003-2022). We have a dynamic population, skilled and competitive labor force – a production hub in the region. If we consider the possibility of combining the strengths of two countries, from the Saudi perspective, it would be reasonable to consider investments in the petrochemical field in Türkiye. Tourism, hospitality, startups, financial technology, banking, real estate development, renewable energy, e-commerce, organic food and manufacturing could also be good options for potential Saudi investments in Türkiye.
Türkiye is known as one of the best hospitality providers and a popular destination, while Saudi Arabia aims to become a leading destination by 2030. Which one or two assets of the Turkish hospitality industry would you consider for Saudi Arabia to achieve its goal?
Türkiye is one of the top four tourist countries in the world with 8,300 km of coastline and ranks 3rd in the world with 529 blue-flag beaches. More than 51 million tourists visited Türkiye in 2022. Thanks to its rich geography and serene climate, Türkiye offers tourists many options such as sea and beach, highlands, winter resorts, health tourism, thermal spas, historical and archaeological sites.
I believe that in tourism, quality of service is critical and Türkiye has a great resource with its dynamic population for its service sector. In Saudi Arabia, we witness important developments in tourism, including reforms to train Saudi youth to prepare them for the tourism sector. It would be very beneficial to focus on the training aspect of hospitality sector as it would serve the future of this sector and consequently the overall tourism ecosystem. I also fully support the Saudi policy to increase the number of tourism destinations in the country.
The year 2030 will be a landmark year for Saudi Arabia in transforming its history. What would you say is Saudi Arabia’s main asset other than oil in achieving Vision 2030?
Without any doubt, Vision 2030 represents huge historic transformation for Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It does not only focus on mega projects but it encompasses big reforms and policy changes in a multitude of areas, such as local production, enhancing Saudi employment, social development, digitalization, tourism investments, to name but few. In my opinion, this is history in the making, generating enormous economic activity and creates great opportunities for further cooperation with other countries.
We also see the enthusiasm of Saudi society in embracing Vision 2030. Vision 2030 also emphasizes the preservation of traditions, local culture and national character. I would say that this is the main asset of Vision 2030 as it is progressive and at the same time sticks to its national identity.
Interview with Mrs. Seyma Nur Ulusoy
What is the role of the ambassador’s wife in a diplomatic mission and everyday life?
Each ambassador in a diplomatic mission plays an important role. Likewise, an ambassador’s spouse also has important tasks and responsibilities such as promoting their culture, heritage, and cuisine in each country where they serve. Consequently, as the spouse of the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in Riyadh, I have organized many events to promote Turkish culture and cuisine. For example, on World Coffee Day we introduced local community to Turkish coffee. In addition, we also introduced Turkish cuisine by organizing “Simit Workshop” in 2022 and “Cooking Competition” in March 2023 during Turkish Food Week. In June 2023, we organized the “Ottoman Motifs Painting Workshop” to introduce the culture of our country in a way that guests can practice and enjoy the beautiful art inherited from our ancestors. I hope that through my years of service, as the spouse of the Turkish Ambassador, I have been able to best introduce Turkish flavors and culture to the local and international community of the DQ.
In each country, you meet exceptional women with different stories and views on empowerment. What is one or two pieces of wisdom you have learned from Saudi women?
What I learned from Saudi women showed me that they, like all women, can be successful businesswomen, good and exemplary mothers, and women who keep up with the times and stand on their own two feet. They have achieved this in a very short time and that deserves a lot of credit and appreciation. I think this progress achieved in such a short time should be shown to the whole world as an example.
In addition to your role as the ambassador’s wife, you have made a unique contribution by publishing a book “Delicious Recipes from Türkiye.” What are the flavors of Türkiye that you carry with you wherever you travel and why?
I think that Turkish cuisine is among the most popular ones in the world. In every country we have visited, the feedback from our guests who tasted our flavors has always been positive and they have asked for recipes. This was the main inspiration to author my cookbook “Delicious Recipes from Türkiye” to be distributed in Riyadh and also in the countries I will visit. Therefore, this book will serve as a guide for gourmands to try something new on their own. In terms of flavors that I carry with me, my favorite Turkish dish to cook and eat is Manti. It is difficult to prepare and needs to be prepared with the help of several people. It takes a lot of interaction and collaborative effort to cook this dish. In addition, Manti is special to me because we all sit at the same table and enjoy it. The recipe for Manti is in my cookbook.
What will you take from Saudi Arabia when leaving?
I will take with me good friendships, unforgettable memories, great experiences, delicious tastes and most importantly, the warmth and hospitality of our Saudi friends. And, of course, Saudi coffee, dates and some souvenirs that will remind me of Saudi Arabia.
