A cultural event was held by our Directorate in the capital of the UK, London, on the occasion of the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.
The event held in the famous National Gallery in London was attended by Ambassador of Türkiye to the UK Osman Koray Ertaş, Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty, Türkiye's Communications Counsellor in London Büşra Karaduman Aktuna, and members of the UK Parliament, as well as numerous invitees.
The event featured President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's video message following the singing of the Turkish and British national anthems.
Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun also sent a visual celebratory message, marking Republic Day and thanking everyone who shared in this enthusiasm.
In his speech, Ambassador Ertaş noted that marking this year's Republic Day was bittersweet due to last week's terrorist attack in Ankara.
Ertaş said, "We are members of one big family. We unite in both joy and sorrow. Despite living in different geographies, the love we share for Türkiye and the thrill of the Republic brings us together and will continue to do so. We will uplift this beautiful country above the level of contemporary civilisations expressed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic.
British Minister Doughty also expressed his condolences to Türkiye for the terrorist attack in Ankara. Doughty emphasised the significance of the fight against terrorism as a connecting factor between the two countries, highlighting the numerous meetings he conducted during his visit to Türkiye to strengthen bilateral relations.
Doughty also expressed the government's support for the further development of relations, stating, "The visit of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the meeting with Foreign Minister David Lammy is a source of delight for us." Voicing Türkiye's strategic position between Europe and the Middle East, Doughty emphasised that Türkiye plays a significant role in achieving peace and humanitarian efforts.
Doughty noted that the Fidan-Lammy meeting will also address the Middle East, adding, "Our countries are making efforts to ensure a ceasefire and improve the dire humanitarian situation of the civilians in the region."
After the speeches, the guests were treated to a piano recital.
