Republic Day of Turkey celebrated

ISLAMABAD, OCT 30 (DNA) Ambassador of Republic of Turkey Mustafa Yurdakul has said Pakistan holds a special place for Turkey and Turkish diplomacy. Our relations continue to prosper in an era, during which both countries experience multiple turbulences.

The Turkish ambassador made these remarks on the occasion of Turkish Republic day event held at the lush-green lawns of the Embassy. The ambassador also read out message of the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Federal Power Minister Omar Ayub was the chief guest while a galaxy of federal and provincial ministers attended the event. The top military brass including serving and retired generals also graced the occasion with its presence.

The ambassador further said our close cooperation with the regional and international platforms is exemplary. We value our strategic partnership and special brotherhood ties with Pakistan.

Ambassador Yurdakul further said throughout the history our nations have always been excellent.

“We will continue to stand side by side with the people of Pakistan in any time of need in future as well”. He added.

He said he was confident that the strong relations between our nations and close cooperation among our leaders will further strengthen in the pursuit of our common interest and values.

The ambassador hoped in light of this sound and dynamic backdrop our relations will continue to develop and cooperation will sail towards new horizons to the benefit of our nations.

Turkey and Pakistan will continue to serve peace, security, and stability in their broader regions.

Talking about the Republic Day the ambassador said October 29, 1923 marks the birth of modern Turkey and the victory in Turkish motherland in the aftermath of the WWI.

Proclamation of the republic represents the launch of the fundamental modernization process in Turkey. Turkish nation underwent a comprehensive set of reforms in all facets of life, leading to a social economic and institutional reformation.

He said Turkish nation managed to transform its deep experience of modernization efforts that was as accumulated in the preceding two centuries into a modern, democratic and secular state.

“Today we are proud and happy to commemorate the proclamation of our Republic day and pay tribute to the architects of modern Turkey notably Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founder of the Republic of Turkey. Our unwavering commitment to maintain a democratic, secular and prosperous country goes unabated”.

Ambassador Mustafa said the Republic of Turkey has progressed by overcoming all the difficulties it has faced during these 96 years and thanks to recent breakthroughs in particular it has now accomplished to stand among the rising powers of the world.

Turkey with its growing economy, strong democracy its commitment to fundamental human values and principled and visionary foreign policy continues to be an inspiration to its region and to the world also.

On the other hand, in recent years, Turkey has faced a number of formidable challenges: A big refugee crisis, a violent and bloody coup attempt, murderous attacks by various terrorist organizations and ongoing proxy wars on our doorstep.  In spite of all these challenges, Turkey managed to be an element of stability in its region.

In order to maintain this stability we pursue foreign policy which is based on a harmonious approach. We prioritize the utilization of relevant instruments to project peace, security, and stability in our region and beyond.

As the problems in our vicinity have imminent and direct effects on us, we do not have the luxury to be idle by standers. We need to offer solutions through a foreign policy approach that is entrepreneurial, pre-emptive, and respectful to principles.

We provide shelter to the biggest number of immigrants and refugees. Turkey pays the most expensive price in the world in the face of the cross border consequences of the Syrian conflict. We currently host 3.5 million Syrians. We have paid USD 40 billion so far. Syrian population has already outnumbered the local population in some Turkish cities and towns.

Operation Peace Spring which is launched on 9th of October in North-west Syria was part of our efforts to maintain peace and stability in our country. The main objective of this operation was to ensure Turkey’s border security, neutralize terrorists in the region, save Syrians from the oppression and cruelty of these terrorists and provide them a safe return to their homeland in near future.

Omar Ayub also spoke on the occasion and termed relations between the two countries cordial and excellent. He said Pakistan wished to have even deeper ties with Turkey.=DNA

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