Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Poroy reaffirms commitment to deeper bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect, friendship and shared economic benefits.
Türkiye has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria as both countries commemorate 66 years of formal diplomatic ties.
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, stated this on Thursday, October 29, at a reception in Abuja to mark the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.
The event brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic community, institutional representatives and other guests to celebrate Türkiye’s national day and the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Türkiye, Nigeria celebrate longstanding relations
Poroy recalled that Türkiye established diplomatic relations with Nigeria on November 9, 1960, barely a month after the country gained independence.
He said the bilateral relationship had continued to expand across various sectors, guided by mutual respect, friendship and cooperation for the benefit of both countries.
“We elevated our bilateral relations to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, just one month after independence. And since then, we have developed our relations in every field based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and win-win cooperation,” the ambassador said.
He also highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, describing it as a longstanding principle that guides the country’s engagement with other nations.
According to him, the principle was championed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, and remains central to the country’s diplomatic relations.
“The main motto of the republic was, and still is, peace at home, peace in the world, as put forward by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the republic and the father of Turks, as we call him,” Poroy said.
The ambassador further highlighted Türkiye’s engagement with African countries, including its partnership with the African Union, as part of efforts to strengthen relations with the continent.
Erdoğan highlights Türkiye’s progress
A video message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was played during the reception, in which he congratulated Turkish citizens at home and abroad on the 103rd anniversary of the republic.
Erdoğan said the courage and determination demonstrated by the Turkish people during the country’s founding continued to inspire national development.
“The courage and determination that we displayed as a nation 103 years ago continues to be our strongest source of motivation today,” he said.
The Turkish president also highlighted developments recorded in the country over the past 24 years, particularly in the defence industry, energy, transportation and diplomacy.
Türkiye commemorates founding of republic
The reception also celebrated the historical significance of October 29, 1923, when the Republic of Türkiye was established following years of war and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War.
The anniversary commemorates Türkiye’s emergence as a modern republic under the leadership of Atatürk.
The 2026 celebration comes as Türkiye and Nigeria prepare to mark 66 years of formal diplomatic relations on November 9, underscoring the longstanding ties between the two countries and their shared interest in expanding bilateral cooperation.
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