Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a heartfelt message to Sahak II Mashalian, the Armenian patriarch of Trkiye, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual respect while remembering the lives lost during World War I. Erdogan's communication, as reported by the Turkish Communications Directorate, underscored the long-standing coexistence of various communities within Turkey.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan addressed the Armenian community with warmth, extending his greetings and reiterating that discrimination and marginalization have no place in Turkey. His message coincides with the global observance by Armenian communities of the events of April 24, 1915, during the decline of the Ottoman Empire.

Erdogan expressed his condolences for the Ottoman Armenians who perished in the war, placing their suffering within the broader context of the Ottoman Empire's collapse. He highlighted the collective pain felt due to wartime uprisings, armed group activities, and epidemics.

The president urged that while it is crucial to acknowledge the past, it should not hinder the present or future. He called for collective effort among Turkey's 86 million citizens to build a shared future, cautioning against those who attempt to misuse history to create discord.

Erdogan emphasized the significance of the Armenian community's contributions to Turkish society and reassured that their peace and well-being remain a priority. He concluded his message with a call for unity and mutual recognition, emphasizing the shared responsibility in shaping Turkey's future.

Erdogan's message was a reaffirmation of Turkey's commitment to inclusivity and respect for all its citizens, as he invited everyone to build the 'Century of Trkiye' together, under the symbol of the nation's flag.