Republic Day of Turkey

TODAY is the Republic Day of Turkey. Because of its strategic location (situated in Western Asia and Southeastern Europe), military strength, and large economy, Turkey is a regional power. The country is a member of various international organizations, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Turkey and the Philippines enjoy warm bilateral relations. This relationship was established upon the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries in 1949. Turkey opened its Embassy in Manila in December, 1990, while the Philippines opened its Embassy in Ankara in October, 1991. Various agreements on investments, trade, politics, and technical cooperation have been signed.

On November 17, 2014, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto Lu, with a delegation of III, visited the Philippines – the first visit from a Turkish head of state to the Philippines. During the visit, Prime Minister Davuto lu, said he considers the Philippines a strategic ally and vowed to further develop bilateral and economic relations. The Philippine and Turkish governments signed an air services agreement allowing designated carriers to operate direct flights between the two countries, thus boosting tourism, trade, and investments.

We congratulate the people and government of the Republic of Turkey led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto lu, on the occasion of its Republic Day.