Reverend Sahak Maşalyan, Armenian Patriarch of Türkiye,

Distinguished Members of the Armenian Community,

My Dear Citizens,

I salute you wholeheartedly with affection.

This year once again I remember with respect the Ottoman Armenians who lost their lives under the harsh circumstances of World War I, and extend my most sincere condolences to their descendants.

We still feel in our hearts the pain of all the souls we have lost due to rebellions, escalated gang violence, acts of subversion perpetrated by armed groups and epidemics, during the wartime that coincided with the final period of the Ottoman Empire.

On the other hand, while believing that the present and the future should not be held captive by the sad memories of the past, we are also aware that we, as 86 million people, altogether should build our own future.

Those, who tried to disrupt the deep-rooted and strong bonds between us by drawing animosity from history, have not been able to achieve their ambitions to this day.

Having lived together in this homeland for centuries, today, we continue to share our joy and grief, as we have done in the past.

We did not allow even a single citizen of ours to be discriminated, alienated or marginalised for any reason whatsoever, and will never allow that either.

Like all our other citizens, tranquillity, safety and well-being of our Armenian citizens, who have made remarkable contributions to the cultural, artistic, political, economic, educational and social life of our country, will continue to be our priority.

Just as we have brought Türkiye to these days, once again altogether and shoulder to shoulder we will build the Century of Türkiye as well.

Under the tranquil and secure shadow of the crimson flag with crescent and star, we will live freely as honourable citizens of the Republic of Türkiye forever.

With these in mind, I reiterate that I sincerely share the sorrow of Armenian community’s sufferings in the past, and once again commemorate with respect all Ottoman citizens who have lost their lives.

Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN

President of Türkiye