Get Guardian on GoogleThe Turkish government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria as both countries marked 66 years of formal ties.
The pledge was made last week by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Mehmet Poroy, at a reception to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.
Poroy said the anniversary marked a defining moment in Turkish history, recalling that the Republic was proclaimed on October 29, 1923, after a long war of liberation.
“The Republic of Turkey was founded on October 29, 1923, following years of war and a struggle for liberation after the defeat and dissolution of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War”, he said.
The Envoy added that the guiding philosophy of the modern Turkish state remains unchanged a century later.
“The main motto of the republic was, and still is, peace at home, peace in the world, as put forward by the founder of the Republic and the father of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, as we call him.
Speaking on the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Turkey, Ambassador Poroy recalled that Turkey established its Consulate General in Lagos in April 1959 and elevated relations to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960. Since then, the relationship has continued to wax stronger on all fronts.
“We elevated our bilateral relations to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, just one month after Nigeria’s Independence. Since then, we have developed our relations in every field based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and win-win cooperation”, he added.
Poroy noted that Turkey’s African policy is anchored on its strategic partnership with the African Union since 2008, adding that over 100 Turkish companies are currently operating in Nigeria.
The reception featured a video message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who congratulated 86 million Turkish citizens at home, Turkish Cypriots and millions of Turkish citizens abroad on the anniversary.
He said: “Turkey is stronger today than it was yesterday. God willing, tomorrow it will be much stronger, more respected and more influential in every field”, Erdoğan said in the broadcast, citing achievements in defence, energy, transportation and diplomacy.
Poroy also used the occasion of the national day to announce a cultural event to mark the celebration, which is an exhibition of paintings by his wife, Associate Professor Ayşegül Poroy, scheduled to open tomorrow at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Art Gallery in Abuja.
Nigerian government in a separate congratulatory statement said that nine agreements signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Ankara earlier in January, have laid a stronger foundation for cooperation in trade, investment, military cooperation, education and media.
