Türkiye, Nigeria mark 66 years of diplomatic ties

Turkish Envoy Mehmet Poroy. Credit: NAN

Türkiye has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria, as the two countries mark 66 years of formal diplomatic ties, with Ankara pledging to deepen cooperation based on mutual respect, friendship and shared economic benefits.

The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, during a reception to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.

Poroy said Türkiye established diplomatic relations with Nigeria on November 9, 1960, barely a month after the country gained independence, noting that the partnership had continued to expand across various sectors.

He said, “We elevated our bilateral relations to ambassadorial level on November 9, 1960, just one month after independence.

“And since then, we have developed our relations in every field based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and win-win cooperation.”

The ambassador said Türkiye’s commitment to international relations was anchored in the principle of peaceful coexistence, which he attributed to the country’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

According to him, the principle, which advocates peace at home and peace in the world, has guided Türkiye’s engagement with countries across different continents, including Africa.

“The main motto of the republic was, and still is, peace at home, peace in the world, as put forward by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the republic and the father of Turks, as we call him,” Poroy said.

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He added that Türkiye had developed relations with African countries in line with the principle, while highlighting its partnership with the African Union as part of its engagement with the continent.

The ambassador said the Republic of Türkiye was founded on October 29, 1923, following years of war and a struggle for liberation after the defeat and dissolution of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.

He described the anniversary as a significant moment in the country’s history, celebrating its emergence as a modern republic.

The reception brought together diplomats, government representatives, institutional officials and other guests to commemorate Türkiye’s national day.

In a video message played at the event, Turkish President Recep Erdoğan congratulated citizens at home and abroad on the 103rd anniversary of the republic.

Erdoğan said the courage and determination demonstrated by the Turkish people during the founding of the republic continued to inspire the country.

“The courage and determination that we displayed as a nation 103 years ago continues to be our strongest source of motivation today,” he said.

The president also highlighted developments in Türkiye over the past 24 years, pointing to progress in areas including the defence industry, energy, transportation and diplomacy.