100th anniversary of the signing of The Treaty of Friendship
We are delighted to share with you the joyous news of Türkiye and Finland commemorating the 100th anniversary of the signing of The Treaty of Friendship in 2024. This milestone serves as a great reminder of the profound history that unites our nations, triumphing over the geographical distances that separate us. The collaborative efforts with the Embassy of Türkiye in Helsinki have flourished into a variety of events and projects, nurturing the enduring friendship that connects Türkiye and Finland.
Reflecting on the enduring bond between our peoples, we recall the eloquent words of President Urho Kekkonen during the first state-level visit between Finland and Türkiye in Ankara in 1971. President Kekkonen nicely expressed, "Although our countries are far apart, in the extreme north and south of Europe, there has been a long tradition of friendship and respect between our peoples. Even in the Turkish and Finnish languages, there have been similarities that extend back to the past. But especially the nature, determination, faith in the legitimacy of our independence, and the willingness to defend what is ours unite us more than many other factors."
These words encapsulate the essence of a distant kinship and friendship that has uniquely shaped the relationship between Finland and Türkiye. From the establishment of diplomatic relations in the 1920s to the present day, our nations have built a robust foundation rooted in shared values and a commitment to independence.
In 1924, the two young republics formalized their friendship through a historic agreement, laying the groundwork for diplomatic relations solidified in 1926. Despite challenges during the initial attempt amidst civil unrest in Finland and Türkiye's fight for independence, the friendship agreement between independent Finland and the Republic of Türkiye was eventually signed in 1924, marking 2024 as the centenary year of this momentous occasion.
As we celebrate a century of friendship, both nations are actively involved in collaborative initiatives. A specially designed joint logo for the 100 years celebrations symbolizes our unity, while a forthcoming joint exhibition by both State Archives highlights the historical steps of our shared journey. Preparations are also underway for celebratory concerts in both capitals.
In the spirit of President Kekkonen's words, we hope to continue to cherish and strengthen the ties that bind our countries. May the next century bring forth even greater collaboration, understanding, and shared prosperity between Türkiye and Finland!