Turkish Ambassador in Egypt Salih Mutlu en deliveres his speech on the Democracy and National Unity Day
Turkish ambassador to Egypt Salih Mutlu Şen hosted a bevy of Egyptian and Turkish diplomats, Arab and foreign ambassadors in Egypt, and many Egyptian media personalities at his residence in Giza to celebrate the Democracy and National Unity Day of Turkey on 15 July.
The ceremony showed video clips and photos of the coup attempt against the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, dating back to 15 July 2016, which the Turkish people resisted.
The audience observed a minute of silence in memory of martyrs, estimated at over 300, who lost their lives during the coup attempt.
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"Turkey, by resisting the 15 July coup attempt carried out by traitors in military uniform and affiliated with the Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization (FETO), widely known as Hizmet movement, had contributed to strengthening its democracy and dominating the will of the people in the country," Şen said.
He pointed out that Turkey has achieved democracy in an integrated manner by preventing that coup attempt, which is undoubtedly a result of the progress and democratic awareness that Turkey has experienced since1950, witnessing many painful incidents.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan celebrates Democracy day
“Today is democracy day because what the Turkish people are defending is their national will and democracy. As for national unity, it expresses the value of the determination of the Turkish people under the leadership of President Erdoğan to defend the will of the heroic parliament, its state, and its future," the Turkish ambassador continued.
"If the coup attempt — God forbid — had succeeded in Turkey, the sovereignty of the Turkish state would have been in danger and Turkey would have entered a dark tunnel. Democracy was established by the many reforms carried out by President Erdoğan on institutional and social foundations," Şen explained.
"Today, none of our people are excluded because of their belief, origin, principles, or lifestyle. There is no discrimination within the state, and everyone can live in society in line with their beliefs and convictions," he added.
Şen explained that progress in relations and cooperation between Turkey and Egypt will continue in the coming period, noting that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Cairo soon to meet with the new Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
Economic cooperation between Turkey and Egypt will occupy the forefront during the coming period, especially with the increased interest of Turkish investors in Egypt under the new Egyptian government and Kamel El-Wazir assuming the portfolios of transport and industry, he added.
Guests at the Turkish ambassador's residence in Giza
He concluded his speech by saying that Turkey and Egypt will organize many cultural and social activities and noted the intention to increase joint sports activity in the coming year.
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