Turkish President Recep Erdogan says the country’s current leadership is working to ensure that Türkiye becomes a regional power that is globally respected, terror-free, peaceful, great, strong, and economically prosperous.

Turkish ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, stated this in a speech he delivered on behalf of Erdogan at a dinner held in Abuja on Wednesday to commemorate Türkiye’s 102nd Independence Anniversary.

Mr Poroy described Turkey as a powerful, self-sacrificing nation with deep roots that has held fast to its freedom and independence despite all its historical hardships, deprivations, and difficulties.

He said that, in line with Türkiye’s goals for the century, the country had made giant strides across every field, including defence, the economy, education, agriculture, tourism, energy, and foreign policy.

“On this occasion of the Republic Day, we are steadily advancing towards our goal of a terror-free Türkiye, where 86 million people can live in peace, security, harmony, and prosperity. Together, we will build a Türkiye that is a leading power in its region, respected in the world, and great, strong, and prosperous,” Mr Erdogan said.

Mr Erdogan noted that Türkiye will continue to overcome obstacles orchestrated by people he described as “chaos instigators who target its national unity and solidarity”.

“Without giving in to them, we will disrupt their schemes and dash the hopes of those who pursue expansionist ambitions,” the president said.

He said that, in the face of contemporary wars, conflicts, and crises that are eroding universal values, Türkiye, a defender of rights and truth, was working to ensure a more just world.

“In Gaza and Palestine, as well as many other crisis regions, we are striving to stop the bloodshed, heal the wounds, and open the way to lasting peace through our mediation efforts, diplomatic initiatives, and humanitarian aid.

“Guided by our broad foreign policy vision, inspired by the double-headed Seljuk eagle, we will continue to fulfil every responsibility incumbent upon us with great diligence in a manner defeating our history and identity,” he said.

He added that by the end of this year, the Turkish government would have delivered 450,000 houses to citizens to alleviate their suffering due to the February 6, 2023, earthquake that hit the country.

Mr Poroy also paid glowing tributes to the country’s founding fathers, particularly Mustafa Atatürk, whose Declaration of the Republic after the War of Liberation introduced major reforms under his visionary leadership.

“As the commander-in-chief of our War of Liberation, it was his determination that forged a modern Republic, integrating our nation and its people firmly into the modern world.

“The guiding principles he offered our Republic remain our nation’s compass, peace at home, peace in the world,” the Turkish envoy said.

Turkey was founded in 1923 following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War.

(NAN)