The Turkish Embassy in Guinea celebrated the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic on October 27, 2026, in Conakry. The ceremony, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of Guinean authorities, and several personalities from both countries, marked a significant milestone in Turkish history. The event featured a promotional video about Turkey and an address by Ambassador Cem Ornekol. He highlighted the founding values of Turkey, including sovereignty, democracy, solidarity, and peace.
Ambassador Ornekol emphasized the importance of the date October 29, 1923, when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk proclaimed the Turkish Republic. He recalled that the Republic was born from a collective will to build a sovereign, modern, and future-oriented state. The ambassador expressed his desire to strengthen ties between Turkey and Guinea, particularly in economic, educational, technological, and environmental sectors. He noted that the two countries have a solid foundation of mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation.
The ambassador highlighted the potential for cooperation in various fields, including education and human capital development. He stressed the importance of investing in the education of young generations, scientific and digital skills, and adapting to technological changes. Ornekol also mentioned the Türkiye Scholarship program, which allows Guinean students to pursue higher education in Turkish universities. He praised the contribution of the Maarif School in Conakry to the education sector.
On the economic front, Ambassador Ornekol reported a significant increase in bilateral trade between Turkey and Guinea over the past three years, with a 35% growth rate. He anticipated that the trade volume would exceed $350 million by the end of 2026. The ambassador also mentioned the interventions of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and capacity building.
Mariama Bailo Barry, representing the Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs, congratulated the Turkish government and people on the anniversary. She acknowledged the historical ties and relations of trust, mutual respect, and solidarity between Guinea and Turkey. Barry reaffirmed Guinea's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Turkey, in line with national development ambitions.
Barry emphasized the convergence of priorities between Guinea and Turkey, particularly in areas such as economic development, education, and infrastructure. She expressed Guinea's willingness to engage in regular and constructive dialogue with Turkey to enhance their partnership. The Guinean diplomat also highlighted the importance of concrete and visible results from their cooperation.
The ceremony concluded with a message of peace and fraternity, echoing Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's motto: "Peace at home, peace in the world." The Turkish ambassador and the Guinean representative both expressed their hopes for strengthened cooperation and a bright future for both nations. The event marked a significant milestone in the relations between Turkey and Guinea.
Key points
- The Turkish Republic celebrated its 103rd anniversary, marking a significant milestone in Turkish history and its relations with Guinea.
- Turkey and Guinea reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including economy, education, and technology.
- The two countries have a solid foundation of mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation, with a growing trade volume and increasing partnerships.
