Turkey's Republic Day celebrated in Pakistan
Turkey and its great people will always carry a special place in our hearts, says Pakistan's defense minister
By Islamuddin Sajid
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan
Turkey's Embassy in Islamabad hosted a reception on Monday marking the 95th Republic Day of Turkey.
Pakistan's Defense Minister Pervez Khattak was the chief guest at the occasion, along with many diplomats, parliamentarians, civil and military officials, businesspeople, and religious scholars.
The national anthems of Turkey and Pakistan were played and a cake was also served for this occasion.
"On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I congratulate the Turkish people and government on this historic day," Khattak said.
“Turkey and its great people will always carry a special place in our hearts,” he added. “That’s the reason we always say that we are two countries but one nation.”
He recalled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visits to Pakistan, saying the unique honor of his three speeches to Pakistan’s parliament show the deep relations between Ankara and Islamabad.
He assured his country’s full and continued support to Turkey on the Cyprus issue.
Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mustafa Yurdakul welcomed and thanked all the guests.
The ambassador also read out a message from Erdogan calling the day a significant milestone in the glorious history of the Turkish nation.
He wished Allah's mercy on Turkey's heroic soldiers for defending their motherland and particularly conveyed gratitude to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic.
Turkish media delegation arrives
A six-member Turkish media delegation also arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a six-day visit.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Information Minister Fawad Hussain Chaudhry.
"Today is 29th October, which is historical day for Turkey, and I am here in Pakistan celebrating this day to show my love and respect for the Turkish people and government," Chaudhry told the delegation.
He also briefed Turkish journalists about the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying his government would strengthen the current strong relations with Turkey.
*Zerrar Cengiz contributed to this story
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