Honorable State Secretaries,

Excellences, Generals,

Dear colleagues, Esteemed members of the Military Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for being with us today as we celebrate the Victory Day. This year marks the 96th anniversary of the final battle of Turkish War of Independence led by the great commander and statesman, founder of the modern Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

This was a victory built on the bravery and sacrifice of the Turkish men and women, under the most difficult circumstances.

With the proclamation of the new Turkish Republic a year later, the Turkish nation crowned this achievement by laying the basis of a strong, modern, democratic, and secular state.

It is with the same spirit that the Turkish nation has repeatedly proven its determination to overcome challenges that it faces in a volatile geography marked by wars, conflicts, failed states, and new global threats including terrorism and irregular migration. Today, together with our allies and partners, we continue to fight terrorism in its different forms and manifestations. Let me honor the memory of our servicemen, who, just like their ancestors, sacrificed their lives in and out of the country for the security and well-being of our nation. May Allah bestow his blessings upon all.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me to underline the excellent level of bilateral relations between Turkey and Romania. We are not only neighbors and longtime friends, but also allies and strategic partners. Our countries are major stability and security providers in their wider regions. We maintain our firmness to further improving the relations in every field. We will continue to work closely to ensure that peace and stability reign in our common geographies, which span the Black Sea, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

We extend best wishes of success to the Romanian soldiers who are on duty for their country and for our common ideals. I particularly extend our condolences for the Romanian servicemen, who lost their lives in Afghanistan in the past years. May their souls rest in peace.

In concluding, I would like to commemorate hundreds of Turkish martyrs, who are lying in the soil of this friendly country and extend our appreciation for gracious Romanian hospitality.

Finally, let me honor once again the memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, all our heroes and martyrs with utmost respect and gratitude.

Multumesc.