Honoroble Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Distinguished Guests,
Zihaberkumn, Zihaberknn,

I extend a very warm welcome to you all. Thank you for honoring us with your presence on our National Day.

The proclamation of the Republic in 1923 was the remarkable achievement of Türkiye under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

It was also a source of inspiration to many nations.

On this occasion, I would like to pay our utmost respect to all the martyrs who gave their lives for the independence and welfare of Türkiye .

Ladies and Gentlemen,

“African solutions to African problems”. This is the motto of Türkiye 's Africa policy. The African Union designated Türkiye as one of the strategic partners of the Continent. 2020 is a particular year in Türkiye -Africa relations. The third Summit of the Türkiye -Africa Partnership will be held in İstanbul. This Summit will give further direction to the ever-increasing cooperation in many fields.

The Horn of Africa region is benefiting and will continue to benefit greatly from the Türkiye -Africa Partnership due to geographical proximity as well as historic and cultural ties.

It is also encouraging to see that the positive dynamics of last year’s peace agreements are in the lead of regional politics. There is no doubt that the Horn of Africa stands prepared for a promising future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Eritrea.

Exchanges in many fields are increasing rapidly. People to people contact remains one of the most important. Thousands of Eritreans are visiting Türkiye each year thanks to direct flights by Turkish Airlines between Asmara-İstanbul.

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency has already finalised several development projects and has started working on new ones in cooperation with local authorities.

This year also witnessed the opening of the Eritrean Honorary Consulate in İstanbul. This will serve towards enhanced cooperation in the near future. The Honorary Consul is among us today.

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before concluding, I reiterate my commitment to contribute to the further strengthening and development of the existing bilateral cooperation.

Thank you!