(KPL) Türkiye's Ambassador to Laos, Orhan Işık, hosted a reception in Vientiane on Oct 29 to celebrate the 101st anniversary of Türkiye's Republic Day.

The event was attended by Mrs. Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Bounleua Phandanouvong, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of the international diplomatic corps, and other guests.

During the event, the message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was read, marking the Republic Day with pride, honoring Türkiye’s founders and martyrs, and expressing resilience against challenges. 

The President’s message highlighted "the Century of Türkiye," a vision focused on progress, unity, and strength. He pledged to “overcome all obstacles” and build a “great and strong Türkiye” for future generations. "As a nation, we have a long-established state tradition that exceeds 2200 years, which finds its meaning in the 16 stars on our Presidential Seal," he stated. "With the help of Allah, the wisdom and support of our nation, and the political and military power of Türkiye, we are determined to make our Republic even stronger in this new era."

Türkiye’s unique geographical position, straddling Asia and Europe, adds to its dynamism and centrality. With strong historical and cultural ties to the region, democratic institutions, a young and skilled population, and vibrant economic potential, Türkiye positions itself as a natural partner to ASEAN.

This year also marks the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Laos. 

In his remarks at the event, Ambassador Işık commended Laos for its successful hosting of the 2024 ASEAN Summits, noting that this achievement has contributed to regional and global peace and security. 

Ambassador Işık remarked, “Turkish investments and businesses increasingly attracted to the neighborhood will spill over to Laos. Furthermore, Laos’ enhanced connectivity through new regional transport and communication networks has brought our two countries closer."

Highlighting economic collaboration, Ambassador Işık noted, “Our economic and trade relations are based on an agreement in force since 2013, and we look forward to the First Intergovernmental Economic Commission meeting in the near future.” Recent high-level visits, including Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith’s visit to Ankara in February and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to Vientiane in July, have strengthened interactions between the two countries.

Türkiye has been a dedicated supporter of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), hosting the 4th UN Summit for LDCs in 2011 and the UN Technology Bank for LDCs in Istanbul.

“As co-chair of the Friends of LDC group, Türkiye will continue to support Laos in its transition from LDC status,” affirmed Ambassador Işık.

In a significant development for Türkiye-ASEAN relations, the Turkish Grand National Assembly joined the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) as an observer and participated in AIPA's 45th General Assembly.

“Türkiye is committed to further developing its relations with ASEAN in all fields, including investments, trade, technology, culture, and education,” added Ambassador Işık.

KPL