RIYADH: Turkish Ambassador Erdogan Kok recently hosted a grand reception to mark the 95th anniversary of the foundation of Turkey at his official residence in Riyadh. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, governor of Riyadh, was the chief guest at the celebration, which was attended by several senior Saudi and Turkish officials.Prince Faisal and Kok marked Turkish National Day by cutting a cake. The national anthems of Saudi Arabia and Turkey were played amid the unfurling of hand-held nationals flags of the two countries by a group of boys and girls who donned national attire. Kok said: “Turkey today is a country with a flourishing democracy, a strong economy and a vibrant society and cultural life.”“Turkey and Saudi Arabia have developed a special friendship all these years based on deep-rooted historical, cultural, economic and social bonds. This relationship has been tested over many years but grown stronger each time, and our countries will also overcome the challenges ahead,” said the envoy.Kok said: “Our trade volume has reached $5 billion annually … while the number of Saudis visiting Turkey continues to increase every year, and has already reached 700,000 this year. Our Saudi sisters and brothers feel at home in Turkey.“On the other hand, Turkish people continue to visit Saudi Arabia to perform their religious duties in the holy places.”He said that millions of pilgrims perform their religious duties in peace and safety every year. “We are grateful to all Saudi authorities for their endless efforts to make the annual Hajj operation safe and successful,” said Kok, adding that Turkey has adopted the presidential system of government this year, which eliminated the shortcomings of bureaucracy and allowed a more flexible, accountable and efficient system of governance.“With this, Turkey is striving to meet its 2023 Centennial Goals, while Saudi Arabia pursues its 2030 Vision,” said the diplomat. “We strongly support Saudi Arabia in their endeavors for the further development of the country under the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.“Turkey and Saudi Arabia can help one another in achieving these goals by furthering their economic and social cooperation, and Turkey will always remain a reliable partner and friend,”he added.