Former diplomats share experiences on 100th anniversary of Türkiye-Japan relations

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Japan, former Tokyo ambassadors came together in Ankara and talked about the ties between the two countries.

A panel titled “100 Years of Türkiye-Japan Diplomatic Relations through the Eyes of Türkiye’s Ambassadors to Tokyo” was organized by the Turkish-Japanese Foundation on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations of both countries.

Speaking at the opening of the event held at the Cultural Center of the Turkish-Japanese Foundation, professor Nejat Bora Sayan, President of the Turkish-Japanese Foundation, stated that they decided to organize a panel on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Japan, and gave information about the history of the Turkish-Japanese Foundation, which was established in 1992.

Esra Cankorur, Director General for Asia Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thanked the ambassadors who contributed to the development of bilateral relations in every field and stated that many mutual events were organized in both countries within the framework of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

“The strong solidarity between us and Japan is evident in the support shown by our people during the earthquake. Our relations continue to develop in social, cultural and many other fields,” Cankorur said.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Alpaslan Kavaklioglu said that the TCG Kinaliada corvette, which set sail on April 8 within the scope of the 100th anniversary of Türkiye-Japan diplomatic relations and the 134th anniversary of the sailing of the Ertugrul Frigate, continues to arrive in Japan.

Former Tokyo ambassadors talk about bilateral relations

Moderating the panel, professor Huseyin Bagci from the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Middle East Technical University (METU), said that the close cooperation between Türkiye and Japan, which seems distant, is very important.

Necati Utkan, who served as the Turkish Ambassador to Tokyo between 1992 and 1996, said that historical sources show that Turks and Japanese first met in the 13th century and that cherries and tulips played an important role in mutual relations.

“Türkiye-Japan relations are based on the following; the two states have never been at war, never had a historical problem, and never had a conflict of interest between the two countries. The two countries have enjoyed an intense friendship. All of this is important for the establishment of a true strategic friendship, and we have an unobstructed and wide road ahead of us,” Utkan said.

Selim Sermet Atacanli, who was in Japan as ambassador from 2007 to 2011, reminded that diplomatic relations were established in 1924, saying: “There is the Ertugrul Frigate disaster in 1890. When I was on duty in Tokyo, it was the 120th anniversary of this disaster. A ceremony was organized. It was a sad experience to see that place. It is very meaningful that the Japanese people showed solidarity at that time.”

Atacanli shared some historical anecdotes that are important in Turkish-Japanese relations with the participants.

Ahmet Bulent Meric, who served in Tokyo from 2014 to 2017, said that Turkish-Japanese relations are “special” and that a “Strategic Partnership Council” should be established between the two countries in the future.

Hasan Murat Mercan, who served as Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tokyo from 2017 to 2021, said that Turkish producers and Japanese consumers should be educated to increase trade, noting that the two countries are culturally close but it is important to take more concrete steps in the fields of culture, trade and education.

In his closing speech, Japanese Ambassador to Ankara Katsumata Takahiko said Türkiye is a “foul-weather friend,” adding: “Türkiye was the first to extend a helping hand in earthquakes. We have initiated efforts to further enrich our relations such as climate change, energy, maritime and space issues.”

Sharing that there are 275 Japanese companies in Türkiye, Katsumata said it is important to maintain a lasting partnership with Türkiye.