(Sukuk.net - Arab News) A Turkey Day was held at the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) premises, with an exhibition of the country's products and art and craft on Wednesday. IDB President Ahmed Mohamed Ali and Turkish Consul General Salih Mutlu Sen took part in the opening ceremony.

The event was the first of its kind organized by IDB's Group member International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). "Turkey took the initiative for this first event and we hope to make it an annual program giving different IDB-member countries an opportunity to take part under the "Know my country" theme, Hani Salem Sonbol, deputy CEO of ITFC, told Arab News at the opening ceremony.

Sonbol said the idea in organizing the event was to bring different countries in focus with their social and cultural aspects, and further promote bilateral and multilateral ties. "This is a novel experience for an organization which has been only dealing with trade finance among Islamic countries," he added.

Asked why Turkey was chosen for the first event, he said: "Turkey is not only a founder member of the IDB but also its great supporter. The country remains Saudi Arabia's leading trade partner."

Trade finance approvals of ITFC in 2008 are about $2.7 billion, of which $103 million has been allocated to Turkish companies. "These figures are related to trade financing and do not include project and other IDB financing," he said. The total trade finance approvals of IDB Group since inception is approximately $30 billion, Turkey's share being about 10 percent.

An old building in the IDB complex is being renovated for the ITFC. "It should be ready by next year's Haj," he said.

The Turkish consul general said it was a moment of pride for his country's expatriates to take part in ITFC's inaugural event. An exhibition of Turkish goods and food formed part of the event. Carpets, jewelry and textiles were among the range of exhibits. The country's vast tourist potential was also showcased in a Turkish ambiance with a live instrumental music.

Children of Turkish International School presented a cultural program. The school, with 1,756 children — from KG to high school — is one of seven such schools across Saudi Arabia. "The Kingdom's eighth Turkish school will open in the next few weeks in Makkah," Murat Tanrikologlu, principal of the local school said. The school additionally offers its students an opportunity to learn Arabic.
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