MANAMA, Bahrain 

The heads of state of Turkey and Bahrain Monday agreed to expand mutually beneficial economic and trade ties, marshalling the potential of the two countries’ business forum set for next month.

According to an official statement issued by the president’s office, visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his host, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, share the view that the both countries’ business communities could further expand cooperation in new technology, industry, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and other sectors.

They said the Turkey-Bahrain Business Forum set for next month in Istanbul will provide a valuable opportunity to enhance trade and economic ties between Turkey and Bahrain.

Last year Turkish exports to Bahrain exceeded those from a decade earlier by more than 150 percent, to reach $193 million. Major Turkish exports came from iron and steel, motor vehicles, and tobacco products.

Mineral fuels, rolling stocks, and electrical and electronic equipment were top subcategories in Turkey’s imports from Bahrain last year, totaling $127 million.

Turkey will also continue to stand by Bahrain’s government to contribute to the country’s security and stability, and the two countries will work closely on ongoing security problems in the region, the statement added.

Erdogan's official visit to Bahrain is part of Turkey’s drive to forge economic ties across Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

*Reporting by Enes Kaplan; Writing by Hatice Kesgin