May 19th marks a significant date in the history of the Republic of Turkey. Hundred years ago today, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived in the port city of Samsun on the Black Sea coast of Turkey and launched the War of Independence which led to the formation of modern Turkey.

We extend our best wishes to the Republic of Turkey and Turkish people on this day of tribute to Atatürk and we salute the youth, who will establish our bright future with their energy, hope and optimism.

Taking this opportunity I wish peace and solidarity to the Turkic World.

Baghdad Amreyev
Secretary General of the Turkic Council