Servet Günerigök
October 30, 2019•Update: October 30, 2019
WASHINGTON
The U.S. congratulated Turkey on Tuesday on the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Republic.
"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Turkey as you celebrate the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey," said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement.
The top U.S. diplomat said Washington and Ankara have boosted regional security and stability for decades.
"The foundation of our bilateral relationship is our strong people to people ties," said Pompeo. "Our people are stronger and more prosperous when we work together."
The official proclamation of the Turkish Republic by founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk took place on Oct. 29, 1923, when the name of the nation and its status as a republic were declared.
The Turkish Grand National Assembly, or parliament, then voted unanimously to make Ataturk, a revolutionary statesman, the first president of the Republic of Turkey.
Since then, Turkey has celebrated Republic Day every year on Oct. 29.
