Zubair Qureshi
Ambassador of Turkey, Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul and Mrs Zlatomira Yurdakul on Tuesday hosted a ‘garden reception’ to marking the 96th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.
Federal Minister for Power & Petroleum Omar Ayub Khan was the chief guest on the occasion.
One could see a large number of luminaries, politician from both sides—the government and the opposition—greeting ‘Brother Ihsan’, his spouse and staff of the embassy on this auspicious occasion.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, federal ministers Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, Shafqat Mehmood, Ghulam Sarwar, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Saleem Mandiwala, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee Fakhar Imam, his spouse Abida Hussain, ex-Interior Minister Senator Rehman A Malik, Mrs Farrukh Khan, Air Vice Marshal Aasim Zaheer, Lt Gen Bilal Akbar, scholars, intellectuals, businessmen and members of civil society were among the noted guests on the occasion.
Before formal speeches, national anthems of Turkey and Pakistan were played and a cake was also served among the guests. In his brief address, Omar Ayub Khan congratulated the Turkish ambassador on the historic occasion. “On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I congratulate the Turkish people and government on this historic day,” Khan said. “Turkey and its great people will always carry a special place in our hearts as we share a common religion, heritage and culture, and our hearts and emotions are one.“What Turkey has achieved, we Pakistanis are proud of it,” he added.
He said immense potential awaited traders and business community in both countries to explore bilateral relations and invest in these sectors. Pakistan’s energy sector was fast growing, said Omar Ayub Khan adding the renewable energy potential was enormous which needed to be tapped by the foreign investors. He said that new renewable energy policy was in the process of approval which would open the sector for new investment. He also invited the Turkish companies to invest in the power sector. In his welcome address, Ambassador Mustafa Yurdakul thanked the guests for their arrival and wishes. “Today, we are proud and happy to commemorate the proclamation of our Republic and pay tribute to the architects of modern Turkey, notably Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey. Our unwavering commitment to maintain a democratic, secular and prosperous country goes on unabated,” Yurdakul said while addressing the gathering.
Talking about the Republic Day the ambassador said October 29, 1923 marks the birth of modern Turkey and the victory in Turkish motherland in the aftermath of the WWI. Proclamation of the republic represents the launch of the fundamental modernization process in Turkey. Turkish nation underwent a comprehensive set of reforms in all facets of life, leading to a social economic and institutional reformation.
He also read out a message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling the day a significant milestone in the glorious history of the Turkish nation. The Turkish ambassador assured that Turkey would continue to stand side by side with the people of Pakistan in any time of need in the future as well. Turkey and Pakistan will continue to serve the cause of peace, security, and stability in their broader regions, he said.
