Turkey's 98th Republic Day celebrated in London

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - Turkey’s Republic Day has been celebrated in a reception at its London embassy residence on Wednesday.

The reception, celebrating the 98th anniversary of the proclamation of the republic, was attended many guests, including British Minister for Europe and Americas, members of British parliament, and other politicians.

Turkish Ambassador Umit Yalcin said relations between Turkey and the UK have "progressed and deepened" since the republic's proclamation on Oct. 29, 1923, noting that the foundations of these ties went back to the 16th century.

Yalcin said relations, especially over the last two decades, in trade, investment, counter-terrorism, education, and tourism have "become driving forces" in the two nations' bilateral ties.

He underlined that the trade volume between Turkey and the UK did not decline despite the pandemic, adding that trade last year totaled $17 billion.

High-level contacts between Turkish and British officials also continue unabated, said the ambassador, adding that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the G20 and COP26 summits in Rome and Glasgow, respectively.

Yalcin said Turkey would continue to develop relations with Britain in all areas.

- Turkey a 'key ally and friend to the UK'

Wendy Morton, the British Minister of Europe and the Americas, congratulated Turkey for its 98th anniversary, saying that the country "is a key ally and friend to the UK."

Morton, a guest of honor at the event, said she visited Turkey in June and that she was "struck by the resilience and the constructive approach to the humanitarian effort" when she visited the border area with Syria in the southern Hatay province.

Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

She said she was pleased to be able to host President Erdogan next week in the UK, welcoming Ankara's recent ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Morton added that Turkey is a country of great opportunities but is also on the frontline of "some of the most serious challenges that we face."

The minister said she was "grateful" for the efforts of Turkey for regional stability, growing cooperation in counter-terrorism, and extraordinary generosity in hosting more than 4 million refugees.

"Our continued partnership is vital to ensuring and enduring relationship," Morton added.