Trump hails ‘important partnership’ between Turkey, US in Republic Day message

WASHINGTON

US Deputy Assistant Secretary Matthew Palmer conveys President Donald Trump's message at the Republic Day celebration reception at the Turkish embassy on Oct. 29.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stressed the importance of the partnership between Turkey and the United States in his message to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.

“As your nation celebrates the 95th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, the partnership between the United States and Turkey - NATO allies since 1952 - remains important,” said Trump in his message conveyed by Deputy Assistant Secretary Matthew Palmer at the celebration reception at the Turkish embassy in Washington, DC on Oct. 29.

tating that economic, political and cultural ties between the two countries continue to benefit the peoples of both nations, Trump said: “As you proudly commemorate this anniversary, the American people wish our Turkish friends all the best.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s message was read out by Ambassador Serdar Kılıç.

In his message, the president expressed his gratitude to the members of parliament for making efforts for the liberation, development, growth and strengthening of the country since the foundation of parliament on April 23, 1920, according to a report by the state-run Anadolu Agency.

“I wish Allah’s mercy upon all our ancestors, martyrs and veterans shedding blood and making great efforts for every inch of the Anatolian territory, our millennial motherland,” he said.

“We will continue working with all our strength for the Republic of Turkey to stand forever as we reach the 95th anniversary of its foundation. With these thoughts, I celebrate once again our 29 October Republic Day,” Erdoğan added.

The official proclamation of the Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the republic’s founder, took place Oct. 29, 1923, when the name of the nation and its status as a republic were declared.

A vote then took place in the Grand National Assembly, and Atatürk, a revolutionary statesman, was elected first president of the Republic of Turkey by a unanimous vote.

Since then, Turkey celebrates Republic Day every Oct. 29.