President hails 97th anniversary of Republic of Turkey

ANKARA

Ahead of Thursday, Oct. 29, Republic Day, Turkey’s president gave the nation congratulations on the 97th anniversary of the Republic.

"I hail the October 29 Republic Day of all our citizens, living both at home and abroad," Recep Tayyip Erdogan tweeted on Wednesday.

"I hereby express my most cordial gratitude to all our friends who share our joy," he added.

Erdogan went on to commemorate Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, as well as "the heroes in our fight for independence," all the martyrs and veterans that fought for the Republic of Turkey.

"Our country will continue acting on its own vision and agenda regardless of what others say or do," Erdogan said.

Passing on his regards to the nation’s parliament, the Turkish Grand National Assembly, he said the Turkish nation "as one heart, one punch" is building its future in unity, solidarity, and fellowship.

Oct. 29 is celebrated in Turkey as Turkish Republic Day, on the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on Oct. 29, 1923.

The Republic is due to celebrate its centenary in 2023.