Mr. Mayor, Madam Mayoress, Distinguished Guests, Dear British Friends,

Thank you for joining us today as we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory.

Gallipoli, once a battlefield, has become a place where former adversaries come together to remember their fallen and share their grief. It stands as a solemn reminder of the cost of war but also as a symbol of reconciliation and peace.

In the words of the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, “Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.” These words laid the foundation for the friendship between our nations.

Today, as we honour our martyrs, we also remember the 26 Ottoman sailors who, in 1850, sailed to Portsmouth for naval training but lost their lives to illness. They rest here, side by side with their comrades.

I take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the custodians of this cemetery, the personnel of Portsmouth Naval Cemetery and Haslar Naval Hospital, and all those who ensure that our fallen heroes rest with dignity.

Thank you for being here today and for honouring their memory.