Türkiye, a century hence

A significant milestone in Türkiye’s history is the celebration of its 100th year anniversary. The Turkish Embassy in Manila hosted a reception on Oct. 26 led by its Ambassador, H.E. Niyazi Evren Akyol and his wife Mme. Indri P. Akyol at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila.

Amb. Akyol expressed his sincerest feelings of affection and respect for all his countrymen living in Türkiye and abroad.

“At this turning point of our glorious history, I commemorate with gratitude all our heroes who led the establishment of our new state, particularly the founder of our republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,” Amb. Akyol added. “I further extend my gratitude to all who have been serving our homeland, nation, and state for centuries with the conviction of the ‘permanency of the State’ […] The journey of our nation from the past to the future has progressed to this day, passing on from the Seljuks to the Ottomans and then to the Republic of Türkiye. The Republic possesses all the accumulated experience of our 2,200-year-old state tradition, which is symbolized by the 16 stars in the Presidential Seal.”

Before closing his remarks he briefly touched upon another upcoming and important milestone next year, the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and the Philippines.

“We regard the Philippines as a key country in her region, with its strategic location, dynamic and young population and its fast-growing economy.” he said.

The National Day celebration was attended by the Vice President and Secretary of Education in the Philippines, Sara Duterte. “This significant milestone serves as a testament to a hundred years of exceptional strides and achievements,” VP Duterte said. “As we gather to celebrate Türkiye’s remarkable journey, we also eagerly anticipate another significant event in our bilateral relations—the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in June next year. This occasion is a reminder of the enduring friendship and cooperation between our nations.”

She also mentioned the deep bond the Philippines and Türkiye share in the field of education, with many scholars, primarily from Mindanao, pursuing their studies in Türkiye.

VP Duterte proposed a toast to the success and good health of Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to the sustained prosperity of the Filipino and Turkish people, and to the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Türkiye.