Pakistan Embassy in Ankara hosts Defence Day ceremony

ANKARA: The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara held a ceremony to mark Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs’ Day, commemorating the sacrifices of the martyrs and veterans of the September 6, 1965 war.

Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was attended by the chiefs of the Turkish armed forces, senior officials and the secretary general of the D-8 Organization.

Tributes were paid to the martyrs and veterans of the 1965 war, while Pakistan’s commitment to peace and the protection of its national sovereignty was reaffirmed.

Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Yusuf Junaid said Pakistan had continued to play an important role in national defence, disaster management and United Nations peacekeeping missions.

He also called for the Kashmir dispute to be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs and veterans, saying Türkiye regarded Pakistan as a strategic partner.

Güler said defence and security cooperation between the two countries was expanding, reflecting the close and longstanding ties between Türkiye and Pakistan.

He further described the defence alliance among Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as a historic development, saying the partnership would contribute to stronger strategic cooperation and help promote peace and stability in the region.