موقع وجه أفريقيا موقع وجه أفريقيا هو موقع مهتم بمتابعة التطورات في القارة الأفريقية
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Sahar Ragab
With passion and pride, the Turkish Embassy in Cairo celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey, marking a particularly meaningful year that also commemorates the centennial of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Egypt.
The grand Republic Day reception, hosted at the Turkish Embassy in Cairo, gathered over 1,000 guests, including Turkish citizens, senior Egyptian officials, ambassadors, diplomats, media figures, and cultural icons. Among the distinguished attendees were Dr. Khaled El-Anany, Director-General of UNESCO; Mohamed Gebran, Egypt’s Minister of Labor representing the government; and numerous prominent figures from politics, culture, and social life, as well as the Palestinian guest Malak Abu Ziad.
The evening began with both the Turkish and Egyptian national anthems, performed by an Egyptian orchestra, followed by traditional and classical pieces from both nations, symbolizing the cultural harmony between the two peoples.
Ambassador Şen: 2025 — A Milestone Year for Turkish–Egyptian Relations
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen, Turkey’s envoy to Egypt, emphasized that this year’s Republic Day holds a special significance, coinciding with 100 years of diplomatic ties between Ankara and Cairo.
He noted that under the strong and visionary leadership of Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, relations between the two countries have entered a new era of cooperation—expanding rapidly across sectors such as trade, tourism, education, culture, and the arts.
Ambassador Şen highlighted the growing momentum of high-level reciprocal visits, recalling that President Erdoğan visited Egypt three times in the past 18 months, while President El-Sisi’s official visit to Ankara in September 2024 marked the first High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council Meeting, co-chaired by the two leaders.
He announced that the next council meeting is expected to be held in early 2026 in Cairo, accompanied by President Erdoğan’s anticipated visit.
Joint Vision for Peace and Regional Stability
Ambassador Şen reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering support for peace, stability, and cooperation in the Middle East, guided by the timeless principle of the Republic’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk:
“Peace at home, peace in the world.”
He praised the outcomes of the recent Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, noting that the “Trump Declaration for Lasting Peace and Prosperity,” signed by Turkey, Egypt, the United States, and Qatar, has sparked a ray of hope for ending the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Şen announced that Turkey stands ready to provide significant humanitarian aid and reconstruction support for Gaza, expressing confidence in Egypt’s full cooperation. He confirmed that Turkey will play an active role in the Gaza Reconstruction Conference, to be hosted soon in Cairo.
Cultural Appreciation and Warm Tribute to Egypt
Turning to cultural cooperation, Ambassador Şen expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum inauguration, describing it as “a gift from Egypt to world heritage.”
He congratulated Dr. Khaled El-Anany on his recent election as Director-General of UNESCO, supported by 55 out of 57 member states, affirming that Turkey fully backs his mission to represent Africa, the Arab world, and the Mediterranean with distinction.
Turkey: 102 Years of Progress and Global Engagement
Reflecting on the Republic’s achievements, Ambassador Şen highlighted Turkey’s remarkable advancements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and industry over the past 102 years.
He reaffirmed Turkey’s determination to work with international partners to build “a fairer world,” in line with President Erdoğan’s global vision for peace and justice.
He noted that the past two decades of economic growth have created vast opportunities for cooperation between Egypt and Turkey—“two great nations linked by a thousand years of shared history on both sides of the Mediterranean.”
Şen emphasized that the outcomes of this renewed partnership will soon yield tangible benefits for both countries and the wider region.
A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Friendship
Beyond the official speeches, the evening turned into a vibrant cultural showcase reflecting the spirit of modern Turkey. The embassy was adorned with Turkish and Egyptian flags, portraits of Atatürk and President Erdoğan, and displays celebrating a century of Turkish resilience and creativity.
A joint Turkish–Egyptian ensemble performed soulful Anatolian melodies, while a young Turkish singer captivated the audience with emotional ballads.
A short documentary screened during the event traced the journey of the Turkish Republic—from its founding in 1923 to its contemporary achievements as a dynamic nation bridging East and West.
Strong Egyptian Presence and Mutual Respect
The event drew significant attention from Egyptian officials, parliament members, business leaders, and artists.
Many attendees described the evening as a symbol of renewed friendship and trust between Cairo and Ankara, noting that “the spirit of cooperation now extends beyond politics to people and culture.”
Looking Ahead: A Year of Turkish–Egyptian Cultural Events
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Şen announced a series of cultural and charitable events to be held throughout the year in honor of the centennial of Turkish–Egyptian diplomatic relations.
Upcoming highlights include:
- A Traditional Turkish Bridal Fashion Show on November 19, with proceeds donated to the Egyptian Red Crescent in support of Gaza’s families.
- Concerts and musical performances at the Ambassador’s Residence (November 3) and the Cairo Opera House (November 5), featuring Turkish pianist Roya Taner and Egyptian soprano Amira Ahmed.
- A Calligraphy Exhibition celebrating Turkey and Egypt at the Egyptian Geographical Society, and a Caricature Exhibition dedicated to Gaza.
Ambassador Şen concluded his address with heartfelt words that resonated deeply with the audience:
“Long live Turkey, long live Egypt, long live Palestine.”
Conclusion: A Night of Pride, Unity, and Shared Destiny
The celebration ended on a note of joy and optimism, as Turkish and Egyptian colors illuminated the embassy garden in a dazzling display of friendship.
Guests departed carrying a powerful message — that this was not merely a national celebration for Turkey, but a shared festival of friendship and hope, marking a hundred years of diplomacy and a new century of partnership between two nations that continue to inspire the world.
