By Monsi A. Serrano
The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Manila commemorated the 102nd Anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye with a dignified celebration that highlighted the enduring friendship, shared values, and growing cooperation between Türkiye and the Philippines.
In his address, H.E. Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol paid tribute to Türkiye’s remarkable journey as a modern and resilient republic, while underscoring the steady deepening of bilateral relations with the Philippines. He expressed sincere appreciation to the distinguished guests and partners who joined the commemoration, noting that as both nations celebrate 76 years of diplomatic relations, their partnership “is not merely diplomatic — it is deeply rooted in shared values, aspirations, and a mutual commitment to fostering peace and prosperity.”
Ambassador Akyol emphasized the many parallels between the Turkish and Filipino peoples — their devotion to family, strong faith, hospitality, and shared conviction that dialogue and cooperation are vital to national and global progress. “We share the same democratic values and a foreign policy that prioritizes peace, stability, and respect for international law,” he affirmed, reiterating Türkiye’s readiness to further collaborate with the Philippines in infrastructure development, energy, transportation, and defense.
He also highlighted Türkiye’s growing role as a trusted partner in the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts, reflecting mutual confidence and strategic cooperation amid evolving regional and global challenges. Ambassador Akyol congratulated the Philippines on its upcoming 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship and expressed optimism that Türkiye’s application for ASEAN Dialogue Partnership status will advance under the Philippines’ leadership much as its Sectoral Dialogue Partnership did in 2017.
Beyond political and economic cooperation, the Ambassador underscored that cultural understanding and people-to-people exchanges remain central to Türkiye–Philippines relations. Both nations, he said, are bound by compassion, generosity, and resilience, values that transcend geography and reinforce a genuine friendship between their peoples.
The event also featured a special message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who paid tribute to Türkiye’s century-long legacy of independence and unity. The President reaffirmed Türkiye’s steadfast commitment to global peace, humanitarian action, and justice for all.
As Türkiye marks its 102nd Republic Day and the Philippines continues to play a vital role in regional affairs, both nations stand as enduring partners — united by mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a common vision for peace and prosperity.