Ministers, leading PFDJ Members,
Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community,
Distinguished guests,

I have the pleasure to welcome you all to our National Day Reception, which is being held on the occasion of the 92nd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye. Today we have another reason to celebrate: the Turkish Embassy in Asmara is now two years old.

Before I start, I want to commemorate our 102 terror victims, who lost their lives following the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Ankara recently. We strongly condemn the terrorism, regardless the resource or the perpetrators and expect all countries to take resolute stance with cooperation and solidarity against terrorism.

Dear guests,

Like the Eritrean People, we, the Turks, know very well the meaning of sovereignty, freedom and independence. Because, the mentioned values were not granted to us for free. During our Independence War, Turkish people in poverty, fought all alone against the richest and most powerful nations of the world for their survival, freedom and independence

The aftermath was not easy for the young Republic either. Devoted people of the destructed country, left the animosities behind, turned their faces into the future and worked very hard for development. Led by the principle of “Peace at home, peace in the world” as its founder Atatürk described, the war-tired Turkish Nation managed to start reforms and the Republic overcame all challenges.

Today Türkiye is a functioning democracy with a vibrant political culture, one of the fastest growing economy in OECD and the 16th largest economy in the world. With its unique natural beauties, history and culture of hospitality, Türkiye is the 6th most wanted tourism destination in the world according to the data of the UN World Tourism Organization 2015.

This year, my country has assumed the presidency of G20, the premier forum for global economic cooperation which takes up a wide range of issues related to the global economy such as development, energy security, climate change, employment, eradicating poverty, combating corruption and food security. Especially the problems and needs of the Sub Saharan continent are among our priorities during our presidency.

On the other hand, Türkiye, as a reflection of our long tradition of helping destitute people, welcomed more than 2 million Syrian refugees, escaping from the tragic situation in their homeland. We do it without considerable international assistance. Türkiyealso provides humanitarian help to different regions and countries. Such efforts have made Türkiye the largest emerging donor country in comparison with her per capita income.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Once Africa was home for Turks for almost a half millennium. Our policy towards Africa has not been just the reflection of transient political and economic expectations. On the contrary, it is the product of a process with a strong historical and cultural background, supported by the firm feelings of friendship and partnership between Turkish and African peoples.

We tried to intensify our relations with all African countries. As a consequence of “Turkish African Partnership Policy” our Embassy in Asmara was opened in 2013 as the 35th Turkish Embassy in this continent, making Türkiye then the only country who had Embassies in each capital of the Horn of Africa. In 2009 just 6 years ago, we had only 7 Embassies in Sub Saharan Africa. Now we have 39 Embassies in Africa 34 of which are located in Sub Saharan continent.

Eritrea is a significant and strategic country in the region. Territorial integrity of Eritrea is utmost important and must be respected as a main principle of the international low.

Türkiye and Eritrea share strong historical and cultural ties. Our long standing common historical heritage and cultural ties which we started to discover again after a century, provide a solid ground to promote our cooperation in all fields.

Due to the opening of our Embassy in Asmara two years ago, a direct bridge has been settled down between our countries. Since then, as it is well known to many of you, I have engaged myself personally not only as diplomat but also as author and a keen photographer to promote this beautiful country.

Furthermore establishment of direct air links between İstanbul and Asmara by Turkish Airlines promoted the opportunities for both countries. In terms of the number of destination, Turkish Airlines is the number 1 air company with 45 destinations to Africa.

We work hard to increase cooperation in every field including political dialogue, trade and investment, education, health and tourism. And I am very pleased to say that we have started harvesting our fruitful bilateral cooperation:

The interest of Turkish businessmen to Eritrea is growing. Our bilateral trade volume increased almost ten times since we opened the Embassy. There are also some inquiries by Turkish investors. Soon we expect the first Turkish tourist groups to come and visit this country, with warm hearted people.

Our bilateral education programs are in process. Turkish diplomacy academy has started hosting Eritrean diplomats within the scope of the young diplomats program.

In addition, more than 20 Eritrean students worldwide were granted scholarships by the Turkish government in order to do their Master degree in various prestigious Universities in Türkiye. In this regard, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the relevant Eritrean authorities for close cooperation.

Dear guests,
Kubratın kubranın,

I don’t want to keep you more. Because selections of Turkish Food, which is one of the three main cuisines of the world, are waiting for you at our backyard.

Using this opportunity, before we listen to the Eritrean and Turkish National anthems, I welcome you warmly once again for your participation to our national day and raise my glass for the Turkish-Eritrean friendship.