Türkiye committed to working with Zambia in deepening democracy, national unity: Envoy

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Türkiye is committed to working with Zambia in deepening democracy and national unity, the Turkish ambassador to Lusaka said on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of a friendly football match between Zambia and Türkiye in Lusaka, Istem Circiroglu said the two countries also shared common values of bilateral cooperation.

"July 15 marks Democracy and National Unity Day in Türkyie. On this day, the Turkish nation once more proves its democracy and demonstrates its unity and solidarity," Circiroglu said.

Since its designation in October 2016, every year the nation marks July 15 as Democracy and National Unity Day, with events held nationwide to commemorate those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people dead and 2,734 injured.

Ankara also 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.

The attempt by FETO to overthrow the government began around 10 p.m. local time (1900GMT) on July 15, 2016 and was thwarted by 8 a.m. the next day.

Standing against the threat, the Turkish people courageously showed the world that they would not tolerate any attempt to thwart their will as expressed through their democratically elected government.

Zambian Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri said the Turkish people resiliently defeated the coup attempt.

"I believe that there are still plenty of opportunities for cooperation between Zambia and Turkiye," Phiri added.