The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Pretoria recently marked the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye with a reception at the Turkish Ambassador's residence. The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, South African government representatives, and invited guests. HE Kezban Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç, the ambassador of Türkiye to South Africa, welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of Republic Day, commemorating the establishment of the Republic on 29 October 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's leadership.
Ambassador Yıldırımgeç highlighted the strong foundations of Türkiye-South Africa relations, noting that despite different historical experiences, the two countries share important aspirations for dialogue, development, and a more peaceful and inclusive world. She pointed to the first meeting of the Türkiye-South Africa Binational Commission in 2025 as a milestone that provided fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation and established a stronger institutional framework for future engagement.
Economic relations remain a key priority, with growing interest from Turkish businesses in South Africa. Yıldırımgeç highlighted opportunities in trade and investment, noting that the anticipated first meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission would provide an opportunity to identify new areas of cooperation, address challenges, and bring the two business communities closer. Practical examples of cooperation include Turkish biotechnology expertise contributing to animal health and food security in South Africa.
Beyond trade and investment, the ambassador drew attention to the shared values connecting the two nations. She compared the humanist traditions of Anatolia and South Africa's philosophy of Ubuntu, both of which place compassion, generosity, respect, and human dignity at their centre. Yıldırımgeç stressed the importance of solidarity and understanding in a world increasingly affected by conflict and uncertainty.
Yıldırımgeç addressed international challenges, including the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and Ukraine, stressing Türkiye's belief that lasting peace requires dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law. She also looked ahead to Türkiye hosting COP31 in Antalya in November 2026, describing it as an opportunity to turn international climate commitments into meaningful action.
South Africa's representative echoed the ambassador's sentiments, describing the relationship between the two countries as an enduring friendship founded on mutual respect, shared values, and a growing commitment to cooperation. Recent high-level engagements, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile's 2025 visit to Ankara, were noted, as well as progress in aerospace cooperation following a Memorandum of Understanding between the South African National Space Agency and the Turkish Space Agency.
Other areas identified for expanded cooperation include agriculture, defence, education, energy, tourism, science, technology, innovation, and sports. Türkiye's growing engagement with the African continent was also recognised, with the forthcoming Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summit in December expected to provide further opportunities to strengthen relationships and explore new partnerships. The evening concluded with celebrations of 103 years of the Turkish Republic and the opportunities ahead for two nations committed to strengthening friendship and building a shared future.
Key points
- Türkiye and South Africa are set to strengthen ties through expanded cooperation in trade, investment, and other areas.
- The two nations share important aspirations for dialogue, development, and a more peaceful and inclusive world.
- Türkiye will host COP31 in Antalya in November 2026 to turn international climate commitments into meaningful action.
