102nd Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye

102nd Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye Celebrated in London with Two Receptions

The 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye was marked with two receptions hosted at the Turkish Embassy in London. The events brought together Turkish and foreign guests, highlighting friendship, partnership, and the growing cooperation between Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

A Celebration Befitting the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic

The first reception, hosted by Türkiye’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş, took place at the Ambassador’s residence. Following the national anthems of both countries, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Republic Day message was read to the guests.

Attendees included Türkiye’s Consul General in London, Ambassador Hasan Ulusoy, Director of Yunus Emre Institute London Mehmet Karakuş, and DEİK-DTİK UK Country Representative Serpil Timuray, as well as representatives of the Turkish community and members of the press.

“We Are Determined to Carry the Precious Legacy of Our Republic Forward”

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş emphasized the significance of the Republic, saying:
“A century ago, under the leadership of Atatürk, the Republic was proclaimed as a symbol of our nation’s determination to shape its own destiny and uphold its sovereignty.”

Koray Ertaş: Türkiye’s Ambassador to London delivered a message of friendship at the reception.

He continued,
“We are determined to carry forward the precious legacy of our Republic. In line with Atatürk’s vision of reaching the level of contemporary civilization, we will continue to work hard and look ahead with confidence.”

Referring to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first official visit to Türkiye earlier this week, Ambassador Ertaş underlined that the agreement on the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets marked a significant milestone in the two countries’ strategic partnership.

He added,
“Our bilateral trade volume has surpassed 22 billion USD, and our next targets are 30 billion and then 40 billion. The ongoing negotiations to modernize the Free Trade Agreement are progressing in line with these goals.”

Ambassador Ertaş also stressed the determination to enhance cooperation in areas such as investment, tourism, energy, artificial intelligence, technology, and green transformation. He expressed gratitude to DEİK World Turkish Business Council, Koç Holding, and Beko for their contributions to the event.

“Today, Our Country Has a Global Vision and a Strong Voice in the World”

Serpil Timuray, DEİK-DTİK UK CountryRepresentative, stated that the 102-year journey of the Republic has been shaped by unity and solidarity.
“Today, our country stands as a global player with its dynamic population, economic strength, and forward-looking vision,” she said.

Highlighting the global role of DTİK in connecting Turkish entrepreneurs, academics, scientists, and artists around the world, Timuray added,
“In the second century of our Republic, our duty is to represent Türkiye in the best possible way in every field and carry the achievements of our Republic into the future.”

 

Luke Pollard: UK Minister for Defence Procurement highlighted cooperation between the two countries.

Second Reception: “Happy Birthday, Türkiye”

A second reception later in the evening gathered former and current Members of the UK Parliament, former ministers, and foreign diplomats based in London.

UK Minister for Defence Procurement Luke Pollard opened his remarks by saying,
“Happy birthday, Türkiye.”

Referring to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent visit to Türkiye and the signing of the Eurofighter Typhoon jet agreement, Pollard said,
“We are pleased that Türkiye has now joined the family of nations operating Typhoon fighter jets.”

Emphasizing solidarity among allies, Pollard noted,
“In difficult and complex times, true friends stand together. The Typhoon agreement between the UK and Türkiye sends exactly that message.”

He continued,
“As the Minister responsible for the export of British defence equipment, let me say this: you have not only acquired a fighter jet; you have strengthened the bond between our two NATO allied armed forces.”

Describing Türkiye as “the gateway to the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East,” Pollard concluded,
“Today, we are not only celebrating our bilateral relations but also deepening them further.”

The two receptions marking the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye served as a meaningful gathering in London — celebrating friendship, diplomacy, and the bright future of Türkiye–UK relations.

At the reception in London, H.E. Elin Suleymanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom, and Dr. Burak Tuncer, Medical Director of Esteworld, engaged in a cordial conversation.

Report by: Hulya Ozkoyuncu – London