By Busranur Koca
ANKARA (AA) – The 213th anniversary of Mexico’s independence was celebrated in Türkiye’s capital Ankara in an event hosted by the country’s ambassador.
Jose Luis Martinez y Hernandez, Mexico’s ambassador in Ankara, welcomed the guests at a reception at Assembly One Tower. Türkiye’s Ceylan Ozen Erisen, deputy director general for Latin America and the Caribbean at Foreign Ministry, diplomatic representatives in Ankara and other guests, attended the event.
“It is a great honor for me to host this celebration in Türkiye, a close friend and good partner of Mexico,” Hernandez told the reception.
The ambassador pointed out the historical background of the cooperation between Mexico and Türkiye, adding: “The two countries also have excellent cooperation in multilateral platforms such as the UN, G-20, Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, and MIKTA formed by Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Türkiye, and Australia.”
He also congratulated the Turkish government and people on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.
“As a symbol of friendship, the Mexican Navy’s Sailing School Ship ‘Cuauhtemoc’ arrived in Istanbul in July and was opened to visitors for four days. With this special visit, Mexico, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye,” he said.
He said that after the twin earthquakes in southern Türkiye in February, 150 Mexican Armed Forces and Red Cross staff, 80 civilian rescue team members, and a plane carrying 100 tons of humanitarian aid were sent from Mexico to Türkiye for relief aid.
“Once again, I express my condolences to the Turkish government and people for those who lost their lives,” he said.
For her part, Erisen underlined that the two countries, which have been strategic partners since 2013, have reached a great level of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and development fields.
“As we move through a period defined by much uncertainty in world politics, the ties between our countries continue to strengthen, a testament to the spirit that brings us together: the spirit of true friendship, harmony and mutual support,” she said.
The Turkish and Mexican economies have complementary strengths, Erisen said, expressing her belief that as regional powers, economic, cultural and political ties will continue to be strengthened to reach the real potential in bilateral relations.