Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
Invited by His Excellency Mr. Alp ISIKLI, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Burundi, Mr. Syldie Manirerekana, Assistant to the Minister, had the honor of representing His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation at the official ceremonies held on August 29, 2025. This event marked the celebration of the 103rd anniversary of Turkey’s Victory Day, a significant moment that testifies to the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Mr. Manirerekana opened his speech with warm thanks to Ambassador ISIKLI for his invitation, emphasizing the importance of this anniversary in the historical and cultural context of Turkey. He expressed the Burundian government’s wishes for a prosperous future for Turkey, while recalling that the victory of August 30, 1922, not only symbolizes a military triumph, but also embodies the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Turkish people.
In a spirit of solidarity, he spoke about the challenges faced by Turkey, but also the lessons learned that have led to remarkable economic growth. The Assistant to the Minister highlighted Turkey’s growing role on the international stage, particularly its commitment to Africa, and praised the numerous agreements signed between Burundi and turkey. He stressed that Burundi, as an emerging nation, is eager to further strengthen its cooperation with Turkey. The Burundian government is committed to exploring new avenues of partnership in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, and health.
On the other hand, Ambassador ISIKLI expressed his gratitude for the presence of the guests and celebrated the Great Victory of August 30 as a symbol of hope and determination for the Turkish people. He also referred to the friendly relations between Turkey and Burundi, highlighting the cooperation initiatives that have been implemented over the years. The Ambassador highlighted Turkey’s growing diplomatic presence in Africa, with 44 embassies on the continent, and recalled the summits held to promote the Turkey-Africa partnership. He congratulated Burundi on its recent election to key positions within the African Union, which demonstrates the country’s important role in regional stability.
In the economic sector, the Ambassador mentioned the significant increase in bilateral trade between the two nations, while expressing his desire to organize economic meetings to promote this cooperation. He also highlighted the humanitarian and technical assistance projects carried out by Turkey in Burundi, contributing to various sectors such as education and health. The two countries share a common vision for a prosperous future based on the values of peace, stability, and development.
This event not only celebrated a historic victory for Turkey, but also strengthened the bonds of friendship between Burundi and turkey, paving the way for fruitful future collaborations for mutual benefit of their peoples.