Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Turkish community in Jeddah on Saturday paid tribute to the martyrs of the failed coup attempt in their country last year.

Turkish Consul General Dr. Akif Menevse held a press conference at his residence on Saturday on the first anniversary of the failed coup in Turkey on July 15, 2016.

“As we celebrate the victory of democracy, we pay tribute to our martyrs who died on July 15," Menevse said.

On the night of July 15, 2016, Turkish people stopped the failed coup attempt ordered by followers of Fathullah Gulen, who claims to be the imam of all people. Those followers had been embedded in the Turkish armed forces and other social institutions.

“What happened in Turkey was a terrorist attack, the sort of which has never been witnessed in the history of the Turkish Republic. The attack resulted in 249 deaths and more than 2000 injuries. All Turkish people stood up to the coup plotters as one heart with courage to face tanks making themselves as shields to prevent them from taking over state institutions and facilities.

“In addition, the Turkish people have declared that democracy will not allow any external interference. It has also proved that it is the will of the people that determines the future of Turkey and not the armed groups.

“We pay tribute to our dear martyrs who have lost their lives while defending their country and democracy as heroes,” Menevse said.

Prime Minister of Turkey Binali Yıldırım delivered a statement on the occasion.

“The Turkish nation proved to the world that democracy is not a cheap victory but is precious enough to die for its sake," Yıldırım said.

“Our primary duty is to take necessary measures to prevent it from happening again. We are making efforts to manage this challenging process within the constitutional order. Eventually, Turkish democracy was targeted and our democracy won. So our aim and endeavors will be to take the necessary steps in time to crown our democracy.”

Menevse also talked about the strong brotherly relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Turkey and that nothing can affect it. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has supported Turkey during the failed coup attempt and we always thank Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Saudi government and the Saudi people.”

He said the consulate was ready to provide all required information to investors in order to further improve economic relations between the two countries.

“We are ready to advise all traders. We always work to boost bilateral relations and commercial relations while supporting political relations,” Menevse said.

Another channel to boost people to people relations is to open a Turkish cultural center in Jeddah, which will be directed by a cultural attaché and supervised by the consulate general.

Turkey rose to become 16th economic power in the world. Its economy witnessed a 25 percent growth last year.