Esteemed Major General Khaled Drj
Al-Shureaan, Commander of the Air Defence,

Excellencies,

Fellow Ambassadors,

Distinguished Military Attachés,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Members of the Press,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Assalamu Aleykum,

I would like to begin by
expressing my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for being here today to
share in our joy and pride on the Victory Day of the Republic of Türkiye.

102 years ago today, on the
outskirts of Dumlupınar, in what is now the western Anatolian town of Kütahya,
the Turkish nation put a resounding end to subjugation by delivering the final
blow in a three-year struggle against invading forces. This was a landmark
victory in our history. However, it also had a global impact, inspiring many
nations around the world to rise up against occupation.

We owe this resounding victory to
the spirit, faith, and will of our nation, which fought fiercely for
independence under difficult conditions and against all odds, guided by the wise
leadership of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

Dear guests,

Over the last century, the
Turkish army has grown stronger and more modernized, becoming one of the most
formidable armies in the world. Especially in the last two decades, the Turkish
army has made significant strides through reforms, planning, intense training,
investment in technology, and institutional modernization.

In the face of today’s complex
and novel geopolitical threats, the Turkish army continues to be the bastion of
defense and the guardian of our nation, as well as a force for stability and
peace in the region.

Our army’s combat-readiness is
second to none, as we have been actively fighting against multiple terrorist
organizations, namely PKK, DAESH, and FETO, simultaneously.

Additionally, thanks to
ever-growing overseas basing and access, the Turkish armed forces have
developed interregional operational capabilities. Today, Türkiye is one of the
top five allies contributing the most to NATO’s missions and operations.

With Atatürk’s motto of “peace at
home and peace abroad,” we look to the future with hope and confidence.

As you may remember, on August 1,
Türkiye brokered and facilitated what is considered to be the most extensive
prisoner exchange in recent history. This deal once again underscored our
commitment to global peace.

Dear Guests,

Over the last two decades, under
the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has 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 75% of our inventory.
Not only that, but we have also emerged as a reliable defense equipment
provider for our global partners.

On the other hand, the relations
between Türkiye and Kuwait have reached an exemplary level and continue to grow
stronger under the guidance of His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal.

We are pleased that the brotherly
ties between our countries are being strengthened by further cooperation in the
defense industry. During His Highness the Amir’s visit to Türkiye on May 7,
2024, Türkiye and Kuwait signed a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal, (Implementation Protocol on Government to
Government Defence Industry Procurement Contracts) which allows for further
cooperation in this area.

Distinguished guests,

We believe that the establishment
of peace, security, and stability in our region is essential for the overall
well-being of our nations. I am pleased to observe that when it comes to issues
regarding regional security, Türkiye and Kuwait share a very similar vision.
Both countries advocate for mediation, dialogue, peaceful settlements of
conflicts, and good relations with neighbors while striving to improve defense
capabilities.

Unfortunately, our region is
currently experiencing a very dangerous period. The non-stop killing of
innocent people in Gaza by Israel, which amounts to a horrendous genocide,
might be taking place in a small area against a group of people who have long
thought to ben forsaken. However, the regional repercussions of this genocide
risk engulfing the entire region, and this is something we must be wary of. For
the sake of peace and stability in our region and the whole world, this
massacre must end now. The onus is upon the international community to coerce
Israel into accepting UN Security Council resolutions, including the
establishment of a free, sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its
capital.

In this respect, I like to
underline that as Türkiye we will continue supporting our brothers and sisters
in Gaza. I also like to commend Kuwait’s generous aid and humanitarian
activities for the besieged people of Gaza.

Dear Guests,

As it is our Army Day, let us
watch a short video clip about the Turkish Armed Forces / Turkish Defence
Industry, as visuals are more powerful than words.Last but not least

حَفِظَاللهُ
عَلَاقَاتِالأُخُوَّةِبَيْنَ
تُرْكِيَاوالكُوَيتْوَعَزَّزَهَا. وحَمَى البَلَدَيْنْ مِنْكُلِّ
أَنْوَاعِ
التَّهْدِيْدَاتْوالمَخَاْطِرْ.

كَمَانَسْأَلُهُ تَعَالَىاَنْ
يُدِيْمَتَعَاْوُنَنَاوَتَآْزُرَنَافِي
كُلِّالمَجَاْلَاْتْ.وَنَدْعُو
اللهَعَزَّ

وَجَلْ
أَنْيَرْفَعَالمُعَاْنَاْةِعَنْ
إِخْوَاْنِنَاْ
وَأَخَوَاْتِنَاْفِي غَزَّةْ.

Thank you.