Turkey Marks 103 Years of Its Republic and Deepens Ties With the Dominican Republic
Turkey's embassy in Santo Domingo marked its republic's anniversary with remarks on trade, scholarships and cooperation.
Key points
- The event was held in the Anacaona hall of the Jaragua hotel.
- Trade between the two countries reached about $140 million in 2025.
- A growing number of Dominican students are studying in Turkey on scholarships.
- The two countries have had diplomatic relations for 76 years.
The Turkish Embassy in the Dominican Republic marked the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic, a date that recalls the political transformation begun on October 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The event was held in the Anacaona hall of the Jaragua hotel, where a photograph of the leader greeted guests.
After the national anthems were played, Ambassador Emplie Vakdagul Ormanci stressed that, despite the distance, the two countries have built a relationship based on mutual respect and solidarity. She said that over 76 years of diplomatic relations, cooperation has expanded into areas including labor, security, the environment, women's empowerment, defense and health.
Education is a central part of that closeness. The diplomat praised the growing number of Dominican students studying in Turkey through that country's scholarship program. She also highlighted the growth of trade and the interest of Turkish investors in the Dominican Republic, pointing to opportunities in trade, investment and tourism given the country's strategic location in the Caribbean.
On the cultural front, Ormanci recalled activities over the past two years with Dominican institutions in art, music, gastronomy and archaeology, as well as the celebration of Turkey's Children's Day on April 23 with Dominican children taking part.
Speaking on behalf of Foreign Minister Víctor Bisonó, Ambassador and Director of Management and Operations of the Foreign Service Ramón Antonio Pérez Fermín conveyed the Dominican government's congratulations. He reported that trade between the two countries reached roughly $140 million in 2025 and said the Dominican Republic wants to expand access for its products to the Turkish market.
Pérez Fermín also welcomed the presence of Turkish companies in sectors such as energy, tourism, construction, technology and audiovisual production.