Türkiye has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria as both countries mark 66 years of formal diplomatic ties, with Ankara pledging to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja during a reception marking the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.
Poroy recalled that Türkiye established diplomatic relations with Nigeria on November 9, 1960, barely a month after the country gained independence, noting that the partnership had grown steadily across several sectors.
He said the two countries had continued to strengthen their relationship based on mutual respect, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.
“We elevated our bilateral relations to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, just one month after independence. Since then, we have developed our relations in every field based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and win-win cooperation,” he said.
The ambassador identified peaceful coexistence as a central principle guiding Türkiye’s foreign relations, citing the philosophy of the country’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
According to him, the principle of “peace at home, peace in the world” has continued to shape Türkiye’s engagement with countries across the world, including those in Africa.
“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 stated.
He added that Türkiye had built stronger partnerships across Africa in line with the principle, highlighting its engagement with the African Union as part of efforts to deepen relations with the continent.
Poroy also reflected on the historical significance of the Turkish Republic, which was established on October 29, 1923, following years of war and a struggle for independence after the defeat and dissolution of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.
He described the anniversary as a celebration of Türkiye’s emergence as a modern republic and its journey of national development.
The reception attracted diplomats, government representatives, institutional officials and other guests, who gathered to celebrate the country’s national day.
In a video message played at the event, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated 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 its development and national aspirations.
“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 president also highlighted developments recorded in Türkiye over the past 24 years, pointing to progress in the defence industry, energy, transportation and diplomacy.
