H.E. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Ministers,
PFDJ Members,
Ambassadors,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentleman,
Zihaberkumn, Zihaberknn,

I would like to warmly welcome you all to the Turkish Embassy.

Today marks the 94th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye.

In the 94 years that followed, the vision brought forward by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk has transformed the country into a modern and progressive one. Today, Türkiye stands proud to be a secular democracy and a market economy which is the 17th largest in the world, supported by a dynamic private sector and a young population.

Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

If you allow me, I would like to quote a message from the President of the Republic of Türkiye His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: Quote:

The Republic of Türkiye signifies the rebirth of a noble nation from its ashes that prefer to die instead of making compromises from its liberty and honor.

The spirit which attained victory in Turkish War of Liberation and brought the Turkish Republic into existence is still alive today.

The glorious resistance against July 15 Treachery at the cost of 250 martyrs and more than 2000 veterans is the indication of this spirit.

That night, all members of the Turkish nation including the young and the old and the women and men have protected the gains of the Republic.

We are proud to be a member of such a noble and heroic nation who has the "character of independence".

We work day and night to serve our country in the best way without any distinction, with the motto of There is no lordship, there is service to the nation.

With these thoughts in mind, once again I would like to celebrate our nation’s prideful day, October 29 the Republic Day and wish health, peace and well-being for our nation.

End of the quote.

Distinguished Guests,

Türkiye and Eritrea share deep rooted historical, cultural and social ties. Next year, we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Upon this heritage, exchanges in many fields are rapidly developing.

I am very happy to see that our cooperation is being enhanced in many sectors and it is getting diversified. One of the most important among them is the increasing exchanges between our people. Within the framework of Türkiye scholarships, dozens of Eritrean students are continuing their university education in Türkiye. Thousands of Eritreans are visiting Türkiyeevery year thanks to direct flights by Turkish Airlines between Asmara-İstanbul.

Turkish Airlines is not only facilitating air transportation to and from Eritrea but also with 32 African countries. This is part of Türkiye's strategy to share its experience with the Continent. I should underline that overall Turkish investment in Africa recently surpassed 6 billion USD. These investments are providing much needed jobs and infrastructure whilst assisting local economies and increasing the exports from host countries to third countries.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this occasion, I would like to pay our utmost respect to our Great Leader and Founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and all the martyrs who gave their lives for the independence and welfare of Türkiye.

In conclusion, I reiterate my commitment to contribute to the further strengthening and development of the existing cooperation and raise a glass to the Türkiye-Eritrea friendship.

Meh’zenet Eritra’n Turk’n Me’Wael