"We continue our efforts to maintain the positive atmosphere that has recently developed with Greece"

Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler, in his speech at the ceremony held at the Ministry of National Defence on the occasion of Veterans' Day, said: "We continue our efforts to maintain the positive atmosphere that has recently developed with Greece." Minister Güler started his speech by describing Veterans' Day as "the day of honour and glory of the heroic veterans who are the symbols of dedication to the homeland".

Stating that it was also the 102nd anniversary of the awarding of the title of "veteran" and the rank of "field marshal" to Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Minister Güler said that martyrdom and veteran status, which are the most exalted titles for a noble nation, is a great honour that cannot be measured with any material value or worldly share.

Addressing the veterans, Güler said, "The heroic epics you wrote by shielding your chests will never be forgotten and will live forever in the memory of our noble nation. We are always grateful to you. We are also aware that your sacrifices are not worth anything. No matter what we do, even though we cannot repay you, as the Ministry of National Defence and the Turkish Armed Forces, we will always be with you and your precious families with feelings of loyalty and gratitude."

"Our efforts to maintain the positive atmosphere that has recently developed with Greece also continue"

Referring to the recent developments with Greece, Güler said, "We are continuing our efforts to maintain the positive atmosphere that has developed recently with Greece. Our aim is to resolve our problems in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean in accordance with international law, good neighbourly relations and the spirit of alliance."

"We support the interests of our Cypriot brothers and sisters under all circumstances"

Pointing out that Türkiye is going through a period in which tensions and conflicts are being experienced all over the world, from the Balkans to Central Asia, from the Caucasus to Africa, and accordingly, the range of risks and threats against Türkiye is gradually expanding, Güler said, "With the effective and preventive policies put forward under the leadership of our President, Türkiye has taken all kinds of measures for its defence and security, while maximising its power to eliminate risks and threats."

Stating that Türkiye has become an indispensable actor in ensuring global peace and stability thanks to its effective diplomacy, Güler said that the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) has also assumed critical duties in this process and has carried out the most intensive and effective activities of the last century.

"We continue to support Azerbaijan with the understanding of 'two states, one nation'"

Stating that they attach great importance to the stability in the Caucasus, Güler said: "We are making great efforts to establish lasting peace in the region as soon as possible, and we continue to support our dear brother Azerbaijan with the understanding of 'two states, one nation'. Just as the Caucasian Islamic Army liberated Baku from occupation 105 years ago today and stood by its brothers, we will continue to stand by Azerbaijan with the same understanding."

"We continue our constructive initiatives for the reactivation of the Black Sea Grain Agreement"

Stating that they continue to contribute to regional and world peace in many geographies, Güler said, "We continue our constructive initiatives to reactivate the Black Sea Grain Agreement, which was implemented under the coordination of our country with the initiatives of our President and which contributed greatly to overcoming the grain crisis with its effectiveness. We hope that the initiative will be put into practice again with a reasonable approach and that this war between our two neighbours will come to an end as soon as possible."

Stating that they are marching with great determination and enthusiasm towards our goals of the "Century of Türkiye" in the 100th year of the Republic, Güler said, "As the Ministry of National Defence, we will continue to work day and night for the survival of our country and our noble nation, and to strive for a bigger and stronger Türkiye and the Turkish Armed Forces."

100th Anniversary March surprise

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of National Defence Güler, Commander of the Land Forces General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Commander of the Naval Forces Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Air Force General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu and Deputy Ministers of National Defence.

Minister Güler greeted the veterans and their families one by one as he entered the hall where the ceremony was held, and took a close interest in the children. At the ceremony, which started with a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem, Captain Onur Öztürk, who was a veteran as a result of the explosion of a mine laid by terrorists in northern Iraq, made a speech.

"During the ceremony, a mini concert was organised by the Harmoni Harmonica and Mehteran Union.

At the end of the concert, the "March for the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye" was played. The piece, played by the Harmoni Harmonica and Mehteran Troop commands, was performed by the President of the Republic.