France's National Day celebrated in Ankara; ambassadors dance Erik Dalı

France marked its National Day, Bastille Day, with a vibrant reception at the French Embassy in Ankara. The event brought together Turkish officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay and Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, alongside representatives from diplomatic missions and numerous guests.

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We know how important Turkey is for its partners and how important its partners are for Turkey, whether in fighting the threats to our security or in dealing with the consequences of climate change.

French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont emphasized the strong partnership between France and Turkey. She noted the recent NATO summit in Ankara, congratulating Turkish authorities on its organization and underscoring Turkey's crucial role for its partners in addressing security threats and climate change. Dumont also pointed to the upcoming COP31 summit in Antalya as a concrete example of this collaboration, stating France's commitment to an ambitious relationship with Turkey.

Deputy Foreign Minister Bozay highlighted the long-standing diplomatic ties between the Ottoman Empire and France, dating back to 1483. He focused on the economic and trade relationship, noting a bilateral trade volume of $24 billion in 2025 and setting a target of $30 billion by 2030. This economic focus underscores the strategic importance of the partnership.

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France is working to establish an ambitious relationship with Turkey in this understanding.

The evening's festivities included a DJ performance. Later, artist Ömer Faruk Bostan performed the popular folk song "Erik Dalı." In a moment that captured the guests' attention, Ambassador Dumont and Belgian Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde joined in dancing to the song. Simultaneously, the World Cup semi-final match between France and Spain was broadcast on large screens, adding another layer of shared experience to the celebration.

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Among the most important elements of our relations with France, economy and trade come first. We achieved a trade volume of 24 billion dollars in 2025. We aim to increase this figure to 30 billion dollars by 2030.