CAIRO / Anadolu

- The occasion marks the 10th anniversary of the foiling of the 2016 coup attempt

- Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen affirmed that the Turkish people protected their democratic will in 2016

- The ceremony saw diplomatic and political participation and reaffirmed enhanced cooperation between Ankara and Cairo

The Turkish Embassy in Cairo on Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of 'Democracy and National Unity Day', which falls on July 15 each year, in commemoration of the foiling of the 2016 coup attempt.

The embassy said in a statement that it held a ceremony at its headquarters attended by ambassadors of countries residing in Cairo, representatives of Egyptian society, members of the Senate, academics, journalists, businessmen, and Turkish citizens.

The ceremony began with a minute of silence for the souls of the martyrs of July 15, followed by the playing of the Turkish and Egyptian national anthems.

In mid-July 2016, Turkey witnessed a failed coup attempt carried out by limited elements of the army affiliated with the FETÖ terrorist organization, during which they tried to seize control of the state's security and media institutions.

The Turkish government declared July 15 of each year as 'Democracy and National Unity Day' in commemoration of the 253 martyrs who fell during the countering of the coup attempt.

Egyptian Quran reciter Ahmed Naeen recited verses from the Holy Quran, and a photo exhibition on the events of the coup attempt, prepared by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, was held.

** Democratic Will

Turkish Ambassador to Cairo Salih Mutlu Şen said that the night of July 15, 2016, was recorded in history 'not only as a treacherous coup attempt, but also as a bloody terrorist act aimed at overthrowing the democratically elected government, the President, and the constitutional order.'

He added that Turkish democracy proved its maturity when the people took to the streets and stood before tanks and weapons to defend their will and their president.

Mutlu Şen affirmed that the Turkish people, benefiting from their experiences with previous coups, protected President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and stood against the coup attempt.

He noted that Turkey witnessed coups in 1960, 1971, 1980, and 1997, pointing out that the people did not forget the execution of former Prime Minister Adnan Menderes following the 1960 coup.

He stressed that the FETÖ terrorist organization is not only a threat to Turkey, but is a global organization with secret cells.

He warned that this organization seeks to gain influence by disguising itself through humanitarian aid, education, and trade activities, and by exploiting religious values.

** Cooperation with Egypt

In his remarks on bilateral relations, Mutlu Şen said that Turkey under Erdoğan and Egypt under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi share a will to enhance development and economic cooperation based on peace, security, and regional stability.

He added that both countries attach importance to dialogue, consultation, and coordination to address regional challenges and achieve stability in the Middle East and the Islamic world.

He considered that Egypt's inauguration of the 'Octagon' military complex and Turkey's establishment of the 'Ayyildiz' defense command complex in Ankara reflect both countries' interest in strengthening their capabilities and contributing to security and peace regionally and internationally.

Şen affirmed that cooperation between the Turkish and Egyptian armed forces is witnessing continuous development, referring to the recent visit of Egyptian Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zahr to Ankara and Istanbul.

He added that cooperation agreements between the two countries' armies in the fields of training, joint exercises, and exchange of defense industry technologies contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region.

He expected bilateral cooperation to deepen in the coming period, especially in the fields of tourism, air and maritime transport, education, and culture.