TÜRKIYE MARKED NATIONAL DAY IN PNG CELEBRATING 103 ANNIVERSARY

TÜRKIYE has celebrated its National Day in Port Moresby for the first time, marking the 103rd anniversary of the Republic.

Ambassador H.E. Ms Bilgin Ozkan described the occasion as historic, saying: “For the first time in our history, Türkiye is celebrating its National Day in a Pacific Island country.”

Ambassador Ozkan said that as the first resident Ambassador of Türkiye, it was both a privilege and a personal pleasure to welcome everyone as they celebrated the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.

She noted the event coincides with the opening of Türkiye’s first resident embassy in the Pacific, based in Port Moresby.

She recalled the founding of the Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, highlighting his guiding principle: “Peace at home, peace in the world,” which she compared to PNG’s motto “Friends to all, enemies to none.”

Ambassador Ozkan said Türkiye sees great potential in PNG’s economy, people and government ambition, adding:

 “We now have a blank page before us, and I look forward to write this new chapter together with you.” She pointed to opportunities in energy, mining, construction and education, confirming that Türkiye Scholarships have been extended to PNG students.

She also stressed cooperation beyond governments, urging businesses, universities and communities to join in strengthening ties. “Working together, we can turn today’s goodwill into tomorrow’s tangible achievements,” she said.

The event celebrated on Thursday 29th October at Hilton Hotel and was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassadors and High Commissioners from other countries based in Port Moresby, representatives of international organizations, Senior PNG Government Officials and other government representatives.