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Turkish Vice President, top officials join Pakistan Day celebration in Ankara

ByJustpaste.in

ANKARA: Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with a grand ceremony at Pakistan House in Ankara, where Türkiye’s senior leadership joined Pakistani officials, diplomats and members of the community to highlight the deep and enduring friendship between the two countries.

Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz attended the event as chief guest, joined by senior political, military and diplomatic officials. The high-level participation underscored the importance Ankara attaches to its relationship with Islamabad and the longstanding bonds between the two nations.

Among those attending were Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, Chief of General Staff Gen Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Naval Forces Commander Adm Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Land Forces Commander Gen Metin Tokel and Air Force Commander Gen Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu.

Senior Turkish Officials

Former senior officials, members of parliament, ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, Pakistani community members and media representatives also attended the ceremony.

The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Türkiye.

Students from the Pakistan Embassy International Study Group School added a colourful touch to the celebrations with national songs and traditional performances. Guests warmly applauded the cultural presentation.

A documentary showcasing Pakistan’s history, cultural heritage, natural beauty, tourism potential and social and economic development was also screened.

Yilmaz: Pakistan-Türkiye ties go beyond diplomacy

Addressing the gathering, Vice President Yilmaz conveyed greetings from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people to the government and people of Pakistan.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz

He emphasised that the relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye went far beyond conventional diplomatic ties, describing it as a unique brotherly bond rooted in shared history and mutual solidarity.

Yilmaz recalled the support shown by Muslims of the subcontinent to the Turkish people during the Turkish War of Independence, saying the historic connection continued to shape relations between the two countries.

He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Pakistan and said both countries would continue working together to promote peace and stability in the region.

The Turkish vice president also highlighted the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation and exploring new avenues for regional collaboration, including greater trilateral cooperation among Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan envoy highlights sacrifices behind independence

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Dr Yousaf Junaid, paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the sacrifices made during the Pakistan Movement.

He said Pakistan’s independence was achieved through extraordinary courage, perseverance, determination and sacrifice.

The ambassador urged Pakistanis to strengthen national unity and work collectively for the country’s stability, prosperity and development.

Referring to Pakistan-Türkiye relations, Junaid said the partnership was based not merely on formal diplomacy but on shared values, history, mutual trust and strong public sentiment.

He said cooperation between the two countries was expanding across defence, trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people contacts.

Jinnah exhibition adds historic touch

The ceremony also featured a special photographic exhibition marking the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Exhibition Inauguration

Vice President Yilmaz, Ambassador Junaid and other dignitaries jointly inaugurated the exhibition, which highlighted Jinnah’s life, political vision, leadership and historic role in the creation of Pakistan.

The event concluded with a traditional Pakistani dinner hosted in the gardens of Pakistan House.

Turkish Leadership

Against the backdrop of Pakistan’s green and white flags and warm Turkish hospitality, the Ankara celebration became more than an Independence Day ceremony. It served as a vivid reminder of a relationship built on history, affection and mutual trust — and of the two countries’ shared ambition to take that friendship into a stronger and broader future.

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