Today, on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, we remember and honour the memory of more than 6 million Jews and members of other minorities, who lost their lives during this human tragedy.

27 January also marks the 67th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the biggest Nazi death camps, and provides us an occasion to reminisce on this unprecedented cataclysm of human history and strengthen the efforts to raise the awareness of the new generations.

This day of remembrance also guides us towards a future which includes a culture of mutual understanding, tolerance and co-existence and in line with this reminds us the significance of drawing the right lessons on combating racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

We also respectfully remember Turkish diplomats, who saved many lives targeted by the Nazi regime during the Second World War and who thereby make us proud of our history.