Europe Day Celebrated in Ankara: EU's New Ambassador Quotes Atatürk

Ankara vibrantly celebrated Europe Day, marking the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration that laid the groundwork for the European Union. The reception, hosted by Aivo Orav, the EU's appointed ambassador to Turkey, brought together key figures from both Turkish and European spheres. Deputy Foreign Ministers Mehmet Kemal Bozay and Hacı Ali Özel, alongside Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and former EU Minister Egemen Bağış, were in attendance, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

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I am very happy to be back in Turkey and to work here as a diplomat. I look forward to meeting with the press and discussing important issues in Turkey.

Ambassador Orav, returning to Turkey after a previous posting, expressed his delight at being back and his eagerness to engage with the press and discuss important issues. He articulated the EU's core mission as a project transforming a history of conflict into a future of cooperation. Orav highlighted the honor of celebrating Europe Day with Turkey, a crucial NATO ally and a significant candidate country in the EU accession process. In today's uncertain global landscape, he stressed Turkey's indispensable partnership for Europe, emphasizing the shared values, peace, and prosperity they collectively advance.

Addressing the current geopolitical climate, Orav condemned Russia's war against Ukraine as brutal and unlawful, warning that aggression anywhere threatens everyone. He acknowledged the turmoil in the Middle East, marked by conflicts and economic crises. In contrast, he lauded Turkey's role as an "island of stability" and a "bridge for diplomacy," commending its efforts to de-escalate tensions and mediate. Turkey's hosting of NATO allies and the Climate Summit further amplified its vital role on the international stage.

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The EU is a Western project brought to life to transform a history full of conflicts into a future of cooperation. We are honored to celebrate Europe Day with Turkey, a key ally of NATO and an important candidate country in the EU process.

Concluding his remarks, Orav invoked the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stating, "Humanity is a single body. Every nation is a part of it." This powerful quote underscored his vision for a shared European future, where EU enlargement is viewed as an investment in peace, with Turkey at the heart of this vision as both a candidate country and a NATO ally.

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In a world full of uncertainties, Turkey is a vital partner for Europe. Together, we protect the values that define us and advance peace and prosperity. Building partnerships means standing behind our values. It means facing challenges together, on Europe Day, we reaffirm our vision: We must see a world that is whole, free, and at peace as it is.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay echoed the sentiment of unity and diversity, asserting that Europe's strength lies in embracing its multifaceted nature and building bridges between cultures. He affirmed Turkey's integral place within Europe's unique identity, owing to its rich history and dynamic society. In an era defined by uncertainty and division, Bozay positioned Europe Day as a crucial reminder of Europe's true essence and aspirations. He highlighted Turkey's active role within NATO and its contributions to European security, emphasizing that in this volatile environment, Turkey is an indispensable partner.

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Russia's war against Ukraine is brutal and unlawful; civilians suffer every day. If aggression wins there, it threatens us all.