ANKARA: 25 March 2014: To commemorate “Pakistan National Day,” the Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey H.E. Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat hosted a reception on Monday evening. Turkish political and military leadership, parliamentarians, notables, media representatives, Pakistan community and diplomats based in Turkey attended the reception.
Turkish Minister of Environment and Urbanization Mr. İdris Güllüce (pronounced as Gulujee), Commander of Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Recep Bulent Bostanoğlu, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey Mr. Naci Kuru, Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff General Yaşar Güler were prominent among the guests attending.
Mr. İdris Güllüce in his speech said, “Turkey and Pakistan have had at all times close political, military, cultural, commercial and economic relations. We are so close that the language of Pakistan, Urdu comes from the Turkish word Ordu which means army.” He said bilateral relations are based on mutual benefit, trust and understanding. “On the other hand, the commercial and economic importance of Pakistan is steadily increasing,” Gulluce added.
The Minister mentioned the support of Pakistani Muslim brothers for Turkish War of Independence. “We as a nation did not and will never forget this support,” said Mr. Gulluce. He said the landmark general elections held May 2013 in Pakistan were a significant step towards strengthening democracy in Pakistan. “Pakistan’s stability, peace and prosperity are a priority for Turkey,” said the Turkish Minister. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to supporting Pakistan politically, militarily, economically and in other fields and to carry forward bilateral cooperation to new horizons.
Ambassador Haroon Shaukat thanked the dignitaries for attending the national day celebrations. He said: “For the people of Pakistan, Turkey is the most friendly and brotherly country. Both countries are truely one nation. We would like to further strengthen our relations with Turkey.”
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