The 8^th of March 2017, which marks the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Korea, is an important milestone for the Turkish and Korean people who are connected to each other by long-standing ties of affection, friendship and respect.

Turkey joined the Korean War under the UN Command in 1950, in order to support the Republic of Korea's struggle for freedom, democracy and independence, and suffered heavy casualties to this end. The heroic struggle shown by the Turkish soldiers during the Korean War was not only effective in winning the war, but it also enabled our deep-rooted friendship with Korean people to evolve into a unique "blood brotherhood".

Our relationship founded on such special bases developed in all fields and was elevated to "strategic partnership" level. Our excellent, multidimensional relations with the Republic of Korea, will continue to foster further, as it has ever been, on the basis of serving the mutual prosperity, well-being of our peoples; global peace and stability.

On the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, 2017 was mutually declared as "Turkish-Korean Culture Year" and it will be celebrated through numerous cultural activities in both countries.