The Turkish Embassy in Lebanon celebrated the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic on Thursday evening, during an official reception held at a hotel in the capital, Beirut. The event was attended by Lebanese and foreign political and diplomatic officials, marking an occasion that reflects the deep historical ties between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Mitri attended the event on behalf of the three heads of state: President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Current and former ministers, parliamentarians, ambassadors, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, religious figures, military attachés, and hundreds of guests also participated.
In the same context, Future Movement Secretary-General Ahmed Hariri attended on behalf of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and former Minister Wael Abu Faour attended on behalf of Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, alongside a representative of Lebanese Army Commander Major General Youssef Awad. The ceremony began with the playing of the Turkish and Lebanese national anthems, followed by a recorded message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marking Republic Day, which falls on October 29 every year.
For his part, Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Murat Ertugrul stated that the declaration of the Republic on October 29, 1923, was one of the most important milestones in the country's history. Ertugrul noted that the establishment of the Republic was the result of sacrifices and determination to achieve independence. He added that "Turkey was established as an independent and sovereign state under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk," emphasizing that his legacy continues to inspire the country to uphold the values of national sovereignty, democracy, unity, and peace.
Ertugrul stressed that Atatürk's message of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World" still guides Turkish policy, while Ankara actively contributes to global efforts to achieve stability and peace. Regarding relations with Lebanon, Ertugrul said that "the two countries share historical, cultural, and human ties that span centuries," affirming that Turkey places great importance on friendship with Lebanon and its stability, security, and prosperity.
He pointed out that the current year has seen important diplomatic contacts reflecting both countries' commitment to developing their bilateral relations. Ertugrul highlighted President Erdogan's reception of the Lebanese Prime Minister in Istanbul on July 10, President Aoun's official visit to Ankara on July 30, as well as other ministerial visits. He affirmed that these high-level contacts demonstrated a shared determination to enhance bilateral cooperation and work towards peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Ertugrul added that Turkey has stood and continues to stand by Lebanon in facing the challenges it is undergoing, and in its efforts to end the Israeli aggression and occupation. For his part, Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Mitri said that the celebration represents a good occasion to celebrate with Turkish friends the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic. Mitri added that "the ties between Lebanon and Turkey are not all from the past; they are ties of today, ties of common interest and solidarity, solidarity in the face of aggression, in the face of all attempts to subjugate this region."
Mitri continued that "Turkey has stood by Lebanon through various trials it has witnessed." He pointed to a growing awareness among Turks and Lebanese of the importance of common interests between the two countries. He affirmed that both countries belong to a unique region in the world, which requires their joint efforts to protect it, ensure stability, and achieve justice within it.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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