In a greeting message released by the Presidential Press Office on the occasion of Christmas, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said all Turkish citizens, regardless of their origins and beliefs, were equal members of the republic and indispensable elements of the public.

"Turkey, just like it did in the past, will continue to contribute to peace and stability in its region and the world, and to support efforts aiming at establishing dialogue between different cultures and beliefs," Gul said.

"With such an understanding, I would like to offer my greetings to our Christian citizens and the whole Christian world on the occasion of Christmas and wish them happiness, success and welfare," Today’s Zaman quoted Gul as saying.