US extends congratulations to Türkiye on its founding centenary

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday extended his "sincere congratulations" to mark the centenary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

"I offer my sincere congratulations on behalf of the American people to the people of Türkiye as you mark the centenary of the founding of the Turkish Republic," the top US diplomat said in a statement.

Noting the "ever more important global role" Türkiye has played over the 100 years, Blinken said the friendship between the peoples of the two nations is "growing deeper and stronger."

"Our NATO Alliance is the foundation for regional peace and security, and we stand together in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and democracy," he said.

He added that "flourishing trade and investment ties" are providing jobs and economic opportunities in both countries while the numbers of students, professional, cultural, and academic exchange participants, and tourist visitors traveling in both directions continue to grow.

Cooperation in clean energy solutions to address the climate crisis and in science, space, and technology are also producing "promising new avenues for progress," Blinken said.

"On this historic occasion, we celebrate the founding of the Republic of Türkiye with you and look forward to another century of friendship and alliance that benefits our people, the region, and the world," he added.