On October 28, the Turkish Embassy in Djibouti hosted a reception at the Djibouti Palace Kempinski to commemorate Türkiye's 103rd Republic Day. The event, attended by Djiboutian officials, diplomatic representatives, and members of the Turkish community, was presided over by Turkish Ambassador Hüseyin Özdemir. The ceremony showcased the strong bilateral relations between the two nations, with Turkish and Djiboutian flags displayed prominently. The reception featured traditional Turkish music and a warm atmosphere, highlighting the friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and Djibouti.
The event was attended by notable Djiboutian figures, including President of the National Assembly Dileita Mohamed Dileita and Minister of Higher Education and Research Dr. Nabil Mohamed Ahmed. Ambassador Özdemir expressed his gratitude to the Djiboutian authorities for their warm welcome and emphasized the significance of the celebration. This marked his first national day celebration in Djibouti since taking office in October 2026. He highlighted the historical depth of Türkiye-Djibouti relations, which will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2027.
Ambassador Özdemir recalled the numerous achievements in bilateral cooperation, including the construction of the Ambouli Friendship Dam, the Sultan Abdülhamid II Mosque, and projects implemented by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). He also mentioned the Maarif International School and Türkiye's role in promoting partnerships between Africa and Türkiye. Djibouti's strategic position in these partnerships was underscored, particularly in the context of the third Türkiye-Africa Ministerial Conference held in November 2024.
Minister of Higher Education and Research Dr. Nabil Mohamed Ahmed conveyed Djibouti's congratulations to the Turkish people and government on this significant occasion. He emphasized the solidity of the friendship between the two countries and their shared desire to enhance cooperation. Dr. Ahmed identified potential areas for collaboration, including infrastructure, transportation, logistics, energy, and tourism. He also highlighted the importance of academic and scientific exchanges between Djibouti's University and Turkish institutions.
The ceremony included the reading of a message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who recalled the historical significance of the Republic's proclamation and Türkiye's progress in various sectors. President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye's commitment to peace and stability. The event concluded with the traditional cutting of the 103rd-anniversary cake, accompanied by a musical performance from Maarif School students and a festive buffet.
The reception also featured a draw where participants could win Turkish Airlines tickets and stays at the Djibouti Palace Kempinski. Ambassador Özdemir and the honored guests participated in the celebration, which served as an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the Türkiye-Djibouti relationship. The event showcased the historical ties and future prospects of the bilateral partnership.
The Türkiye-Djibouti partnership has grown significantly over the past five decades, with cooperation in multiple areas. Both nations are committed to further developing their relations, with a focus on mutual benefits for their populations. The celebration in Djibouti demonstrated the vitality of this long-standing relationship and its potential for future growth.
Key points
- - Türkiye and Djibouti celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. - The Turkish Embassy in Djibouti organized a reception to commemorate Türkiye's 103rd Republic Day. - The event highlighted areas of cooperation, including infrastructure, education, and tourism.
