Excellencies,
Distinguished Members of the Ugandan Parliament,
Esteemed Ugandan and Turkish Health Sector Representatives,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to greet you all.

As we all know, Türkiye has had strong political ties with Uganda for decades.

There is a brotherhood as well as a firm solidarity between Turkish and Ugandan peoples. Therefore, we feel a special privilege and responsibility to cooperate with Uganda in every field.

Türkiye is committed to supporting Uganda's development agenda through its government institutions and numerous NGO's active in the country, using all means available.

The agreements and protocols signed during the visit of H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2016 constituted a strong ground for further improving our bilateral relations. We want to enhance these relations by conducting reciprocal high-level visits in the coming period.

Regrettably, our countries' trade and economic relations are still far from their real potential. I firmly believe that there is a huge amount of room to be utilized. Our trade volume and reciprocal investments can be diversified and enhanced. My aim is to double, even triple our trade volume and attract more Turkish investors to Uganda.

Health is one of the areas that have untapped potential. I personally observe this from the visa applications to our Embassy. Ugandans are increasingly interested in benefiting from the high-tech and state-of-the-art medical services provided by Turkish health institutions.

We provide good quality services at reasonable prices in the healthcare sector through both state-owned and private hospitals. We are aware that a significant number of Ugandan patients are seeking treatment abroad. Türkiye, in my view, is an appealing destination for these patients due to its modern hospitals. Besides its medical facilities, Türkiye has much to offer Ugandan people in terms of touristic and cultural opportunities, as well as shopping opportunities.

Turkish Airlines offers daily direct flights from Entebbe to Istanbul. Furthermore, we provide visa assistance for Ugandan patients and utilize a fast track process. Within a few days the visa procedure is completed.

I am confident that the Patient Center of Acibadem Health Group at Acaica Mall will make this procedure simpler and allow Ugandans to take advantage of the Group's excellent health services.

As I conclude my remarks, I would like to thank the Acıbadem Delegation for organizing this dinner and wish great success.

Thank you.