102nd Republic Anniversary Celebration
Turkish Ambassador Ayşegül Kandaş hosted a grand celebration in Pretoria marking the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. Attended by ministers, royals, and diplomats, the event highlighted plans to elevate Türkiye–South Africa trade to USD 5 billion and deepen cooperation in tourism, culture, and education.
The Turkish Embassy in South Africa marked the 102nd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye with an evening of diplomatic celebration and cultural exchange. The event, hosted by Her Excellency Ayşegül Kandaş, Ambassador of Türkiye to South Africa, brought together a distinguished assembly of dignitaries and royals, reaffirming the growing partnership between the two nations.
Among the guests were the Deputy Minister of Turkey, the Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkey, the Deputy Minister of Tourism of South Africa, and several royal representatives from around the world. The formal setting and the array of high-profile attendees reflected the strength and importance of Türkiye–South Africa relations.
In her keynote address, Ambassador Kandaş spoke about the historic and evolving friendship between the two countries, highlighting the expansion of cooperation across trade, culture, tourism and education. She outlined a shared vision to raise bilateral trade to USD 5 billion, positioning both nations as strategic partners in economic growth and development.
She further emphasised plans to strengthen collaboration through new trade missions, business delegations, and increased tourism flows between the two countries. The ambassador also announced enhanced cultural and educational exchange programmes and greater institutional cooperation in governance and trade facilitation.
Royal guests and senior officials echoed her sentiments, recognising the partnership as a cornerstone of regional and global cooperation. Ambassador Kandaş reiterated her commitment to more frequent high-level visits and reciprocal delegation exchanges in the year ahead.
Reflecting on the legacy of the Turkish Republic, she drew parallels between Türkiye’s century of resilience and South Africa’s own journey of renewal and transformation. The celebration, she noted, was not only a commemoration of the Republic’s founding but also a reaffirmation of shared aspirations for progress and unity.
The evening concluded with a formal reception attended by diplomats, business leaders, cultural figures and royal guests. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect and optimism, symbolising a partnership that continues to grow stronger with time.
As Türkiye celebrates another year of its founding, the event in Pretoria served as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations and their shared commitment to shaping a prosperous future together.
