Pakistan and Turkey are two countries but 'one nation': envoy

Underlining the deep-rooted Pakistan-Turkey brotherhood, Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkey, Dr Yousaf Junaid, reiterated that the relationship between the two nations epitomises sentiments such as a "heart-to-heart connection" and "two countries, one nation."

The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara hosted a grand reception commemorating the 84th National Day of Pakistan. Turkish Minister for National Defence Yasar Guler and Turkish Minister for Trade Prof Dr Omer Bolat graced the occasion as chief guests.

Dr Junaid, in his remarks, elucidated the historical importance of Pakistan Day, highlighting the pivotal role of the Pakistan Resolution adopted on March 23, 1940, for the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims based on the Two Nation Theory.

He paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and also reaffirmed Pakistan’s current leadership's commitment to transforming the nation into a bastion of peace, progress, and human dignity.

The ambassador also expressed gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his stewardship of the bilateral relationship and emphasised the importance of working together to nurture and strengthen these brotherly ties for future generations.

In his address, Turkish Minister for National Defence Guler lauded the exemplary and historic bilateral relations, particularly highlighting the flourishing defence ties and excellent cooperation between the armed forces of both nations.

He also emphasised that the strategic and comprehensive bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkiye play a vital role in promoting peace and stability, both regionally and globally.

Acknowledging the historical significance of the bilateral relations, Turkish Minister for Trade Prof Dr Bolat underscored the importance of transforming the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye into economically beneficial multifaceted cooperation.

He also expressed optimism that this friendship would continue to strengthen in the years ahead, based on shared values and mutual interests.

The event was attended by Former speaker Turkish Parliament Ismail Karaman, Chief of Turkish General Staff General Metin Gurak, Turkish Land Forces Commander General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Commander Turkish Air Force General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Commander Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz, Chairman Pakistan-Turkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group Ali Sahin, Mayor Ankara Mansur Yavas, Former deputy prime minister Recep Akdag, former agriculture minister Mehmet Mehdi Eker, former interior minister Efkan Ala, Deputy Commerce Minister Mustafa Tuzcu, Former Chairman SSB Ismail Demir, Members of Parliament, as well as high-ranking Turkish civil and military officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, academia, Pakistani community, and media representatives.