Republic of Turkey's 98th anniversary celebrated in Uganda

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Turkey's ambassador to Uganda on Thursday hosted a reception attended by officials and dignitaries in the country's capital Kampala to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey's proclamation.

Marking the official declaration of the republic on Oct. 29, 1923, Ambassador Fikret Kerem Alp vowed to continue playing a leading role in strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and Turkey.

Alp said the foundation of the Republic of Turkey was an achievement by Turkish people's patriotism and the struggle of the Turkish Nation.

He underlined that Turkey pursues a foreign policy based on mutual respect and interests, as well as cooperation, to ensure the prosperity and stability of its partners.

The envoy also added that Turkey cautioned authorities in Uganda against the activities of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey.

"FETO-related people operate in Uganda under disguise of humanitarian aid, education and health care. We have warned our host nation against their methods," the ambassador said.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, in Turkey, in which 251 people were killed and 2,734 injured.

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

FETO has a considerable presence outside Turkey, including private educational institutions that serve as a revenue stream for the terrorist group.

- Counterterrorism collaboration

Also attending the event was Uganda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hon Okello Oryem, who said Turkey is an important partner for Uganda in a variety of ways including information sharing and counterterrorism collaboration.

"Uganda and Turkey are peaceful, safe, and stable countries in difficult regions, surrounded by wars and conflicts in their respective geographies. This is probably why Turkey is the largest recipient of refugees in the world, and Uganda in Africa," said Oryem.

Underlining the two countries' need for solidarity in the face of internal and external threats, such as terrorism, the top official said: "We shall not tolerate terrorists and traitors in our respective territories, who may attempt to abuse our generosity to the detriment of our excellent relations."

The new coordinator of Turkey's state-run aid body, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) for Uganda, Omer Aykon, and Turkish Airlines' manager in the East African country Burak Yildiz were also in attendance, along with Turkish contractors and others.

Turkey and Uganda established diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago and enjoy good bilateral relations.

Over the years, Turkey and Uganda have continued to develop their political, economic, educational, cultural, and social relations, along with their ties in other areas. Turkish contractors have carried out major development initiatives in both the country's public and private sectors and in its high-tech infrastructure.