DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez​ paid respects to the founding father of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk​, during a wreath laying ceremony at the Anitkabir last 5 February 2018 on the first day of official activities lined up on the occasion of the convening of the first-ever Philippines Turkey Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (JCTEC) meeting.

Secretary Lopez was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Turkey, Her Excellency Maria Rowena Sanchez, Philippine non-resident Commercial Attache Froilan Emil Pamintuan​, officals from the Philipoine Embassy in Ankara, and Philippine Turkey Business Council (PTBC) Ernesto Chua who led a Filipino business delegation during the official visit to Turkey.

Secretary Lopez, during the ceremony, said that “with the convening of the First Philippine JCETC in Ankara, my hope, anchored on the vision of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, is that our efforts may continue to elevate the livelihood of our people by opening more doors for international business exchanges and cooperation, especially among our emerging enterprises.”

The Anitkabir is the memorial tomb of the Atatürk, who was the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the first President of the Republic of Turkey.

After the wreath laying ceremony, Secretary Lopez also signed the Book of Honour at the monument in the presence of distinguished guests.♦