Türkiye is setting sail towards its second century, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Sunday.
Delivering his centenary address on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye in Istanbul, Erdoğan said: "The Republic of Türkiye, which we declared on Oct. 29, 1923, is completing its first century today and is setting sail towards its second century we call Century of Türkiye."
The Republic of Türkiye today, just as Ataturk wished, serves as a guardian for the forsaken in its region and in the world, he added.
"The Republic of Türkiye is a precious treasure that has been passed down from hand to hand, heart to heart, and from generation to generation for thousands of years."
The president added that Türkiye is celebrating its 100th anniversary with the pride of having a strong, rich, and deep-rooted history as a nation.
"Our Republic, which is a new link in our thousand-year-old state tradition, is not the first but the latest state we have founded in these lands."
"Türkiye rushes to the aid of those in need, from the Caucasus to Asia, from Turkistan to Palestine," he added.
On the Palestine-Israel conflict, Erdoğan said Türkiye takes a robust stance for Palestine and Gaza.
He stressed that no imperialist power would be able to prevent the Republic of Türkiye from being happy, successful, and victorious.
Türkiye will also make a new agreement with Spain to hopefully increase its aircraft carriers to two by acquiring the upgraded version of TCG Anadolu, Erdoğan added.
