Turkish Embassy in Pakistan celebrates 98th Republic Day

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - The Turkish Embassy in Islamabad celebrated the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey on Friday.

An event was held in Islamabad that was attended by Pakistan Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, civilians and defense officials.

Chaudhry congratulated the government and people of Turkey for Republic Day and said Pakistanis have a special love for Turkey as both countries enjoy excellent relations.

"I would like to congratulate you (Ankara Ambassador to Islamabad Mustafa Yurdakul) and the great nation of Turkey," said Chaudhry, adding that the huge gathering showed the love of Pakistani people for Turkey.

Talking about historical relations between Pakistan and Turkey, Chaudhry said the relationship is not 73 years old but much beyond that.

"The relationship that started in 1910 to 1920 when the Muslims of the sub-continent stood with Turkey, is still as warm, as gracious and is based on love and respect to each other," he said. "The people of Pakistan feel love when we land in Turkey, and the people of Turkey feel love when they land in Islamabad, so it's mutual."

He noted good relations between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Imran Khan and said they are not only good friends but have a trustworthy relationship.

"Turkey is not a country for us, but it's a symbol of a great Muslim unity for us," he added.

Yurdakul thanked participants for coming and said there is a reason Turkey and Pakistan celebrated together.

"This is the National Day of Turkey, the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. But this is not only for us. I think we have a reason to celebrate together with Pakistan this beautiful occasion because we can never ever forget about what the Muslims of the subcontinent, largely today's Pakistan, and its people have done for the survival of our country and our nation," he said.

He read a message by Erdogan in which he congratulated his nation and friends on the occasion of the historical day.

- Turk-Pak photo exhibition

Earlier, a photo exhibition, "1000 Years Connect,” was organized in the northeastern city of Lahore by Film Art Culture Exchange and Collaboration (FACEN), in collaboration with the University of Education

It was attended by Yasmeen Rashid, Minister of Health, Punjab; Younis Emre Institute Director-General Olash Artas; Pro-Vice-Chancellor University of Education Muhammad Arshad; FACEN’s Executive Director Majid Rafiq; Turkey Urdu Executive Editor Muhammad Hassan and Lahore-based Turkish businessmen.

Rashid said that she is very happy to be a part of the event today.

"Such programs reflect the beauty of Pak-Turkish friendship and highlight a positive image of Muslim communities to the world," she said, adding that Pakistan is very proud that Turkey is a strong and successful state.

* Kiran Butt contributed to this story from Lahore