Türkiye's president and prime minister both sent congratulatory messages to Anadolu Agency (AA) on the occasion of the news organization's 86th founding anniversary.
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer addressed his message to AA Director General and Executive Board President Hilmi Bengi, describing the agency as one of the most significant institutions in the Turkish media landscape, citing its deep historical roots. Sezer noted that AA was established during the War of Liberation on the guidance of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and had served the public by providing accurate information and strengthening national unity.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also sent Bengi a message, saying the agency had "never made concession from its understanding of superior quality." He praised AA for informing both domestic and international audiences with reliable, impartial reporting since its founding.
Both leaders expressed confidence that AA would continue carrying out its founding mission as a credible voice for Türkiye on the world stage.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in April 2006, in its own words.