Pakistan Defence & Martyrs Day commemorated in Turkey

ISLAMABAD: A large number of Turkish military and civilian dignitaries and other guests attended the Pakistan Defence & Martyrs Day reception, hosted by Pakistan Embassy in Ankara on Thursday.

The prominent guests included Turkish Minister for National Defence Hulusi Akar, Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Yasar Guler, Land Forces Commander General Ümit Dündar and Air Force Commander General Hasan Kucukakyuz. Turkish armed forces Generals, Ambassadors, Foreign Defence Attaches based in Ankara, Turkish Defence Industry officials, representatives of the media, think tanks and Pakistan community attended the reception, a message received here Friday said.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, who was the chief guest, praised the Turkish-Pakistani friendship saying that all Turks will forever remember Pakistan’s support for Turkey throughout its history with respect and gratitude. He showed his confidence that Pakistan and Turkish armed forces would continue to support each other on wide issues including the fight against global terrorism and would continue to cooperate the defence industry.

He also thanked Pakistan for its strong support during the Turkish War of Independence, the Cyprus issue as well as the failed July 15, 2016 coup in Turkey. Minister Akar concluded his speech by saying, “Long live Pakistan, long live Turkey” in Urdu.

In his remarks, Ambassador Syrus Qazi said 6th of September is the day that is dedicated each year to the memory of those martyrs, who gave ultimate sacrifice in defence of their homeland and what it stands for.

Earlier, Defence & Air Attaché Air Commodore Imran Asghar read out messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, who paid tributes to Pakistan armed forces who had made the nation proud through their immense sacrifices for defeating the scourge of terrorism at home and for their contribution to international peace and security.

Minister Hulusi Akar General Yasar Guler, Ambassador Syrus Qazi and other dignitaries later jointly cut a cake to mark the occasion.

Students from Pakistan Embassy School in Ankara sang national anthems of Pakistan and Turkey and patriotic songs. Video documentary highlighting the significance of the Defence Day and the role of Pakistan armed forces in national defence was also shown to the guests.