Türkiye, Guatemala mark 150th anniversary of diplomatic ties

By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA,Colombia (AA) — Türkiye and Guatemala celebrated 150 years of diplomatic relations with a ceremony at the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry.

The ceremony, with Guatemalan officials, international representatives, and embassy staff attending, commenced Friday in Guatemala City with the national anthems of both countries.

Beliz Celasin Rende, Türkiye's ambassador to the Central Ameritcan nation, discussed the historical importance and future potential of the relationship between two nations.

Guatemala's Foreign Minister Carlos Martinez praised bilateral relations, emphasizing their intertwined history and promising future. He cited Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Türkiye's first president and founding father, stating: "Language is a bridge. Faith is a bridge. History is a bridge."

Also attending the event, Guatemalan Director of the Post and Telegraph Administration Maria Jose Fernandez Moreno unveiled a commemorative stamp created in partnership with Türkiye's post directorate.

Students from the School of the Republic of Türkiye in Guatemala showcased Mozart's Turkish Anthem on the traditional marimba, recited poetry, and exhibited traditional Turkish attire.

Attendees savored Turkish cuisine delights and admired Turkish and Guatemalan jewelry, textiles, and ceramics on display.

In honor of the anniversary, Istanbul's iconic Galata Tower was illuminated in the colors of both countries' flags, symbolizing enduring friendship and collaboration.

On July 18, 1874, Guatemalan Ambassador William Kelly was appointed minister plenipotentiary, a diplomat who had full powers to sign a treaty or convention on behalf of a sovereign, to the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor in Istanbul