Honorable Mayor,

Members of the Dutch-Turkish Community in the Netherlands,

Dear Guests,

Damen en Haren,

I first would like to start with thanking H.E. Prime Minister Dick Schoof and H.E. Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp as well as Mr. Mayor for their very quick messages of condolences and solidarity for the heinous terror attack to a Turkish defense industry factory which caused 4 civilians killed. We all wish the innocent civilians who were injured a speedy recovery.

Today, we are here to mark a significant milestone in the history of the Turkish community in the Netherlands: the 60th anniversary of the arrival of Turkish workers in this lovely country.

On this special occasion, we not only commemorate this important chapter of our shared history, but also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty of Friendship between Republic of Türkiye and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which has solidified the bonds between our two nations in 1924.

60 years ago, Turkish workers who came to the Netherlands with hope and courage have since become more than foreign workers with a single luggage. Today, they became employers. We are talking about 25.000 of them. Today, we see them active in all walks of life such as politics, trade, industry, education, culture and sports. This is, to say the least, something for all of us to be proud of. They have contributed, they are contributing, they will increase their contributions. And they will continue to live here in their home.

To honour this important anniversary, Dutch-Turkish community organized various events together with the municipalities, relevant stake holders and civil society. For that, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Dutch authorities including the City of the Hague for their close cooperation.

I am confident that these good gestures will be remembered as significant milestones in our shared history and will be recalled with great pride in the future.

These events not only serve to commemorate the past, but also show us a direction for future. This photo exhibition by Mr. Şahin Yıldırım, the founder of Atlas Cultural Center, is one of the finest examples of these efforts. Atlas Cultural Center has published a similar book in the 50^thanniversary. And when Mr. Mayor and myself will not be here on the 70^thanniversary, I am sure there will be another people standing in our places, hopefully another book.

As we move forward into the Second Century of our Republic, with the vision of the “Century of Türkiye”, I firmly believe that the Dutch-Turkish community will continue to move forward with stronger steps. I have full confidence that we will succeed in every field when we stand united.

Lastly, I would like to remember those pioneers who worked under the most difficult conditions during the reconstruction of the Netherlands in shipyards, mines and elsewhere with respect and gratitude since they are no longer with us. I am sure they are looking at these two friendly nations, who have never fought with each other in their shared history of almost five hundred years, with proud. At the end, it is history who binds us to each other.

To those who remain, I wish good health and happiness. May we continue to celebrate many more anniversaries together in joy and prosperity.

I extend my warmest thanks to Mr. Mayor for his growing support throughout his career, in Utrecht and now in Den Haag. I convey my congratulations for the 125^th anniversary of the Hague Peace Conference of 1899 where an Ottoman delegation was present. I also thank his office for all our joint efforts to protect our common cultural heritage and history.

Danke wel.