TEHRAN – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has sent a congratulatory message to his Turkish counterpart offering congratulations on the occasion of the National Day of Turkey. 

In his message, President Raisi congratulated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the people of the country on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey and the National Day of the Republic of Turkey.

He expressed hope for the development and deepening of the relations between the two countries in the economic, political and cultural fields, adding, "I am confident that the cooperation and mutual understanding of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Turkey will bring blessings and valuable fruits for the two nations and peace, stability and prosperity of the countries of the region and the world".

Iran and Turkey enjoy close relations in many areas of cooperation. Both countries have adopted similar positions regarding the outbreak of the Israel war on the Gaza Strip. Tehran and Ankara called for ceasefire and respect of human lives in Gaza. 

In mid-October, Raisi held a phone call with Erdogan in which they discuss the situation in Gaza. 

In a post on social messaging platform X, Erdogan’s office also said the Turkish leader had told Raisi that Turkey is working to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and repeated his call to refrain from steps that could exacerbate the situation.

A large demonstration has recently been held in Istanbul, Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan toured.

Erdogan said, “Those who shed crocodile tears for the killing of Ukrainian civilians in the war with Russia yesterday are silent witnesses and justifiers of Israel's crimes in the Gaza Strip today.”

In the pro-Palestine rally in Istanbul, British singer Yusuf Islam also called for a cease-fire in Gaza as he addressed the "Great Palestine Meeting".