ANKARA: 24 March
2018: A large number of distinguished guests participated in the reception
hosted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi in Ankara
on 23rd March as part of the National Day celebrations. Senior Turkish civil
and military leadership, leading businessmen, media representatives, Pakistani
community, and diplomats based in Turkey attended “Pakistan Day” reception.
Guests of honour
included Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Dr. Recep Akdağ, Chief of Turkish
General Staff General Hulusi Akar, Minister for National Defence Mr. Nurettin
Canikli, Commander of Turkish Land Forces General Yaşar Güler, Commander of
Turkish Air Force General Hasan Küçükakyüz, Commander of Turkish Naval Forces
Vice Admiral Adnan Özbal, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff General Umit
Dundar, Chairman of Saadat Party Mr. Temel Karamollaoğlu, and Chairman of Grand
Union Party Mr. Mustafa Destici.
Ambassador Syrus
Qazi, in his welcome address said Pakistan-Turkey brotherhood is without
parallel in inter-state relations. He termed it a heart-to-heart relationship
that transcends boundaries of time and geography. The Ambassador thanked the
Turkish Government for the participation of Turkish Armed Forces’ T-129 ATAK
helicopters in Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad and for lighting the Bridges
over Bosphorus in Pakistan’s colours on 23 March.
Minister for
National Defence Mr. Nurettin Canikli referred to Pakistan and Turkey as true
old friends and emphasized that the Turkish people believe that Pakistan will
be on their side even in the most difficult days. He appreciated the support
extended by the people and Government of Pakistan after the failed coup attempt
of 15 July 2016. The Minister pointed out that the two countries are facing similar
challenges in their own geography and stressed on closer defence collaboration
between the two brotherly countries.
On behalf of the
President of Pakistan, Ambassador Syrus Qazi conferred Pakistan’s prestigious
civil award “Tamgha-e-Imtiaz” upon Prof. Dr. Oya Akgönenç, a noted Turkish academician
and former parliamentarian, in recognition of her services for further
promoting Pakistan-Turkey relations.
A book titled “Jinnah
Young Writers Awards Competition 2016-2017” was also launched on the occasion.
It is a compilation of essays written by High School Students of 81 provinces
of Turkey on Pakistan-Turkey relations during an essay competition organized in
2016 and 2017.
Guests enjoyed
variety of Pakistani cuisine in the specially prepared food stalls representing
diverse cuisine from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan,
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
More Photos from goo.gl/xhG62q
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