By Jacob Onuha Nelson
The Republic of Türkey recently commemorated the 102nd anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic, a significant national holiday.
Addressing the media on Wednesday in Juba, Metin Ergin, the Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan, noted that the Republic Day “has cultivated the citizens with a garden of civilization in their common and cultural heritage of the sovereign state.”
The ambassador read a message on behalf of the President of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which emphasized heartfelt respect and affection for the important day marking their history and victory.”I wholeheartedly congratulate each and every one of you, within our borders and outside, the Turkish Cypriot people and all peoples, all brothers and sisters aboard on 29 October Republic Day,” the ambassador conveyed.
Ambassador Ergin said the nation proudly embodies the ideals of independence and future in the principle of unconditional sovereignty. He also paid tribute to the heroes who, for centuries, fought to make the country a homeland. “I remember the heroes who, for centuries, made this land our homeland with their blood and lives, from the first raids in Ahlat and Malazgirt to the Gallipoli epic, from the War of Independence to the 15th of July resistance, and I wish them Allah’s mercy,” the ambassador stated.
He highlighted that the sun and the sixteen stars surrounding Turkey’s presidential seal represent a state tradition that stretches back thousands of years. He added that these historical states are a “legend of honor and glory for national identity” and a symbol of the noble nation’s power and compassion.
Lasuba L. Wango, the Minister of Federal Affairs in South Sudan, delivered a message on behalf of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, extending warm wishes to his counterpart, President Erdoğan, and the citizens of Türkiye. “This very important occasion, allow me, on behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, the government and the people of South Sudan, to wish His Excellency, President Tayyip Erdoğan, and the people and the government of Turkey on this special day, a happy 102nd proclamation of the Republic of Turkey,” Minister Wango stated.
The Minister remarked that the two countries share strong bonds developed over decades of friendship, cooperation, and deep social and cultural impact.
He affirmed that South Sudan, as a young country still in its formative stage, aspires to learn from Türkiye’s 102-year journey. He also emphasized that the Republic of South Sudan considers itself Türkiye’s partner in advancing peace, security, development, and unity regionally and globally.