TONİGHT we are celebrating our National Day with enthusiasm on the occasion of 94th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. On this day, with full gratitude and mercy we remember the Founder of our Republic Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and all our martyrs that had sacrificed their lives for the country at both the war of Independence and July 15.

The common will and destiny of the Turkish nation has been integrated forever with our Republic. Republic is a means of equality, freedom and social justice for our nationals. Republic takes the honor of mankind as a center. Republic is based on the necessity of living and for the humans it is the necessity for the state to survive. Republic is the name of the struggle against ignorance, backwardness, poverty and helplessness.

The Republic of Turkey is crowned with a democratic system. The Turkish nation is always thankful and grateful to the founders and supporters of our Republic and our democracy.

The Republic of Turkey is crucial bridge between the glorious past and bright future of the Turkish people.

The Republic of Turkey is the world’s 16th largest economy. It is our basic goal to be in the world’s top 10 major economies in 2023. Despite last year’s July 15 treacherous failed coup attempt and the international economic crisis, Turkey’s economy is always growing. After the treacherous failed coup attempt on July 15, we will never forget the support of the Saudi authorities to our country.

Wholeheartedly, we also support the goals of Vision 2030 of friendly and brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is moving forward confidently and steadily towards its 2030 targets. We are very pleased with this situation.

Turkey and Saudi Arabia have common approaches to many issues. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are two countries with stable, political and economic power. Our friendship and brotherhood with Saudi Arabia is an important guarantee for the Middle East and the Islamic world’s peace, future and security. Turkey is fighting against terrorism with all kinds including FETO, PKK and DEAŞ.

We are very pleased with the development of relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. In addition to all of these, a large number of mutual high-level visits have been made between the two countries in recent years. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last visited Saudi Arabia in July this year. On the other hand, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, and a large number of Saudi ministers visited my country.

Our Consulate General in Jeddah is the elongated hand of our Republic to the Turkish community living in Saudi Arabia within our geographical task area extending to Tabuk to Jazan and has always had an open door policy. Turkey has granted property rights to people of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, akin to the citizens in Turkey. The Saudis, who acquired ownership in Turkey, are the bridge of brotherhood between the two peoples.

Our Consulate General in Jeddah is pleased to serve the Turkish community in this country and the citizens of Saudi Arabia and foreign nationals residing here.

Haj and Umrah visits bring an additional dimension to the Turkish-Saudi relations. About 600,000 Turkish pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia yearly. I would like to express our deep gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, Ministry of Haj, Ministry of Health and all other Saudi authorities and officials involved in the organization of the very successful Haj season.

At the end of my speech, once more, I would like hereby to remember the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and all our martyrs and veterans with full gratitude and mercy. I also congratulate all of our citizens, self-sacrificing colleagues, and everyone who has worked hard and contributed to the success of this celebration.

I thank all our guests for sharing our happiness on the occasion of our national day.

I present you all my love and respect.

Long live the Republic of Turkey.

Long live the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Long live Turkish-Saudi brotherhood.

Dr. Akif Menevşe

Consul General of Republic of Turkey