Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia and Turkey share common approach on many issues in Islamic world to ensure peace, prosperity and security and both countries enjoying brotherly relations, said a top diplomat of Turkey.

Addressing a large gathering on occasion of commemorating Republic Day of the country on Monday, Turkish Consul General Akif Menevse said that recent phone call between Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman and President Recep Tayyib Erdogan is important and reflects that cordial relationship.

He added, “Turkey remains thankful to the Kingdom for hosting Turkish expatriates besides visiting pilgrims.”

The Consul General said that trade between two countries has crossed $6 billion. He also recalled that King Salman was among the first leaders to support the legitimately elected democratic government in Turkey in the wake of the coup attempt in July 15, 2016.

A large number of Turkish expatriates including women and children turned out for the event of 95th anniversary of proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, which was hosted by Turkish Consulate along with Permanent Representative of Turkey in OIC.

Jamal Balkhoyour, director of Foreign Ministry in Makkah region, other diplomatic fraternity and several Saudi citizens, including Prince Sultan Bin Saad, attended the event.

On Oct. 29, 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk officially confirmed the status of the nation as a republic. A vote was held in the Grand National Assembly and Atatürk was elected the first president of the Republic of Turkey on that very day.

Ambassador Salih Mutlu Sen, permanent representative of Turkey in OIC, also delivered a speech that contained the quotes of Turkish President Erdogan. He remembered with respect all Turkish heroes, who pioneered the victory in Independence War and the foundation of new state, first and foremost among them was Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

“We will never make concessions from this position and we will not allow any games, any obstacles and any sabotage to keep us from our goals,” he quoted as the president as saying.

“We will crown our great historical journey starting from the Seljuks to the Ottomans and then the young Turkish Republic with our 2023 goals and I hope we will move it up to a higher level with our 2053 and 2071 visions,” the diplomat added.

A variety of cultural programs, presented by Turkish children that displayed the country’s rich heritage and cultural background, were presented.