Türkiye and Kuwait: Honoring the Republic, Advancing a Shared Future
By Tuba Nur SÖNMEZ
Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in Kuwait
As the Republic of Türkiye proudly celebrates its 102nd anniversary on 29 October 2025, we pause to reflect on a century of resilience and global engagement. This milestone is not only a tribute to our national journey—from the heroic War of Independence to the founding of a modern, sovereign state—but also a moment to recognize the enduring partnerships that shape our role in the international community.
Established in 1923, the Turkish Republic was born from a collective struggle for liberty and national dignity. Our ancestors, who never bowed to oppression, demonstrated to the world the strength of a people united in purpose. Today, Türkiye honors their legacy by building a nation that is dynamic, inclusive, and committed to peace and progress.
Guided by the founding principles of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—peace at home, peace in the world—Türkiye has evolved into a regional and global actor. Our achievements in education, technology, and economic development are matched by our dedication to humanitarian values and principled diplomacy.
Türkiye’s foreign policy is thus not only a tool of national defense and diplomacy—it is a reflection of our values, our aspirations, and our commitment to shaping a more stable, just, and cooperative international order.
In an increasingly complex and volatile global landscape, Türkiye’s foreign policy is guided by the dual imperative of safeguarding national interests and fostering conditions for sustainable peace and development—both in its immediate neighborhood and across the wider international system.
Under the leadership of H.E. President Erdoğan, Türkiye is now laying the foundations of the “Century of Türkiye”, a national vision shaped by investments in education, science, culture, and diplomacy. In this regard, we aim to reinforce regional peace and security, broaden the institutional foundations of our international relations, and promote inclusive economic growth and prosperity.
In the “Century of Türkiye”, we have written a success story in the defense industry. Through domestically produced military hardware and software, we have developed a great amount of self-sufficiency, with Turkish-made military equipment now making up more than 80% of our inventory. We have also emerged as a reliable defense equipment provider for our global partners.
Today, the Turkish defense industry is writing epics with its wide product range, with over 1,380 projects and a turnover exceeding $20 billion. The number of countries to which we export our defense industry products has reached 185. The variety of products exported, including UAVs, ground vehicles and naval platforms, has reached 230, and Turkish defense industry products have begun to take center stage in the global arena.
This year’s Republic Day carries special significance for Türkiye-Kuwait relations. A defining milestone was the historic visit of His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Türkiye in May 2024. As his first official visit beyond the Arab world in seven years, it signaled Kuwait’s recognition of Türkiye as a strategic partner and ushered in a new era of cooperation.
President Erdoğan’s reciprocal visit on 21st of October 2025 further consolidated this momentum and marked a renewed chapter in bilateral cooperation. In high-level meetings with His Highness the Amir and Kuwaiti leadership, historic agreements signed in the field of energy, maritime, transportation and investment. Hence, we have set the stage for deeper collaboration between two countries in various sectors and contribute meaningfully to Kuwait’s Vision 2035 development goals.
Türkiye views Kuwait not only as a strategic partner, but as a nation distinguished by its diplomatic wisdom and humanitarian leadership. Our cooperation is built on mutual trust, shared prosperity, and a common vision for stability in a rapidly changing world.
Today, Türkiye stands as the world’s leading host of refugees and a major contributor to international humanitarian efforts. Our foreign policy is shaped by the belief that dignity, justice, and security are universal rights. This humanitarian legacy, deeply embedded in our national character, continues to guide our actions in times of crisis and opportunity alike.
Since the beginning of Israel’s attacks in Gaza, Türkiye has taken initiatives to ensure a ceasefire, prevent the geographical spread of conflict, hold Israel accountable before international law for the genocide it committed in Gaza, ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, and prevent arms exports to Israel.
In this spirit, We extend sincere thanks to the people and Government of Kuwait for their unwavering support for Gaza—an enduring symbol of compassion and regional solidarity.
As we commemorate the Republic Day, As we commemorate Republic Day, we remember with reverence the founder of our Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, his comrades-in-arms, and all our martyrs and veterans who made these lands our homeland. Their sacrifices continue to inspire our efforts to build a Türkiye that is strong, just, and forward-looking.
May the Türkiye-Kuwait partnership continue to thrive honoring our heritage, embracing the future, and inspiring generations to come.
