ANKARA

Pakistan's President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday celebrated Turkey's 96th Republic Day ahead of the anniversary.

"It gives me immense pleasure to extend Your Excellency and the brotherly people of Turkey our warm and the most sincere felicitations on the occasion of the 96th Republic Day," Alvi said in his letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Praising the Turkey-Pakistan brotherly relations, Alvi stressed that the cooperation of the two countries will keep developing for peace, stability and developments of the region.

"This historic day symbolizes the courage of the Turkish nation against the forces of colonization and its subsequent march on the path to development and prosperity," Khan said.

Pakistan sees Turkey as dear brother and close friend as well as looking forward to deepening historic bond further between the two countries, he added.

"Long live Turkey, Long live Pakistan-Turkey brotherhood," Khan conveyed in his letter.

Millions of Turks across the country and abroad will celebrate on Tuesday the 96th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Republic's founder, on Oct. 29, 1923 officially declared the name of the nation and proclaimed the country's status as a Republic.

Since then, Turkey celebrates the Republic Day every Oct. 29.