Türkiye’s Embassy in Brussels Hosts Reception to Mark Victory Day

On August 28, the Embassy of Türkiye in Brussels held a commemorative reception in honor of Zafer Bayramı (Victory Day), celebrated annually on August 30. The event took place at the TOBB Representation in Brussels and brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, military officials, and institutional representatives from across Europe, Africa and North America.

The reception was hosted by Özgür Çakar, Chargé d’Affaires, the First Counsellor of the Embassy of Türkiye, alongside Military Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Ramazan Türkmen and his spouse, Leyla Türkmen. The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of Türkiye and Belgium, setting a solemn and respectful tone.

In his address, Mr. Çakar emphasized Türkiye’s enduring commitment to global peace, echoing the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: “Peace at home, peace in the world.” He highlighted Türkiye’s active role in promoting stability from Ukraine to Palestine, underscoring its diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.

Lieutenant Colonel Türkmen reflected on the historical significance of August 30, 1922, when Turkish forces achieved a decisive victory during the Great Offensive—a turning point that paved the way for the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. He noted that, 104 years later, Türkiye continues to contribute to global stability through its modernized and strategically vital armed forces, which play a central role in NATO missions and peacekeeping operations.

The reception featured a video presentation showcasing the Turkish Armed Forces, followed by the reading of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official Victory Day message. In his statement, President Erdoğan paid tribute to the courage, faith, and hope that defined the Turkish nation in 1922, marking the end of foreign occupation and the beginning of a sovereign republic. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering support for justice and peace, particularly its solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Among the attendees were Ambassador Basat Öztürk, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to NATO; Lieutenant General Kemal Turan, Head of the Turkish Military Delegation to NATO; and Ambassador Philippe Benoit, Director of the Türkiye Desk at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomats and military attachés from countries including Oman, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, the United States, and Canada were also present.

Mr. Çakar concluded by highlighting the importance of Türkiye-Belgium relations, mentioning the upcoming economic mission to Türkiye led by Princess Astrid as a symbol of growing diplomatic and economic ties.

The evening ended with a warm reception, celebrating not only a historic victory but also Türkiye’s ongoing role in fostering peace and cooperation on the international stage.