Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Türkiye was maintaining stability while taking responsibility for resolving disputes amid wars, conflicts and crises in its immediate neighbourhood and around the world.
In a video message marking the country’s 103rd Republic Day, Erdogan congratulated the Turkish nation, Turkish Cypriots and citizens living abroad on the October 29 national holiday.
He also extended greetings to guests at Türkiye’s diplomatic missions and to people across its geographical and cultural sphere who share the country’s joys and sorrows.
Erdogan said the republic was the strongest testament to the Turkish nation’s determination to live freely, remain independent and determine its own future.
He said the national struggle led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, had demonstrated what a united nation could achieve even under the most difficult circumstances.
National struggle and independence
The achievement, secured despite severe limitations, had changed the nation’s destiny and reaffirmed the power of national will and the right to live independently, he added.
Erdogan said Türkiye would remain committed to peace and justice under the motto “Peace at home, peace in the world”.
He said the determination and courage demonstrated by the nation 103 years ago continue to inspire the country, describing progress over the past 24 years in defence, energy, transport and diplomacy as milestones towards a more influential and prosperous Türkiye.
The president said the country was developing its own technology, expanding defence capabilities, strengthening energy supply security, modernising transport infrastructure and increasing production capacity.
Türkiye’s vision for the future
Erdogan said the nation of 86 million people would turn its “Türkiye Century” vision into reality and lead the republic towards a brighter future.
“Türkiye is, thank God, stronger today than it was yesterday. God willing, tomorrow it will be much stronger, more respected and more influential in every field,” he said, adding that the Turkish nation would leave its mark on the century.
He concluded by commemorating Ataturk, his comrades-in-arms, the heroes of the national struggle and those who died for the homeland, while expressing gratitude to veterans.
“Happy 103rd anniversary of our republic,” he said.
