‘Victory Day’ of Turkey celebrated

Islamabad
A well-attended reception to mark the 93rd anniversary of ‘Victory Day’ (which falls on the 30th) was hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey and Mrs Babur Girgin along with Armed Forces Attache, Naval Captain and Mrs Halil Kepecioglu.
The reception was held at the Shamadan Hall of the Serena Hotel and the guest of honour was the soft spoken Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Asif Sandheela. After his arrival the official ceremony began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Turkey being played and cutting of the cake, for which those on stage joined in — Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina Rodolfo Martin Saravia; Ambassador of Bosnia Nedim Makarevic, Ambassadors of CARs and PML-Q Secretary General Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.
A large backdrop to the VIP seating area displayed pictures of collaboration between the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkey with a centralised slogan in Urdu — ‘Brotherly nations; brotherly armies.’ A pictorial documentary of the Turkish army’s training; its equipment and daring ‘in action’ shots was screened during the speeches to showcase the Turkish armed forces capability to counter any attacks on its sovereignty.
In his address Captain Kepecioglu — interspersing his speech with sentences in Urdu — welcomed his guests and paid tribute to war heroes; the efforts of armed forces around the world to establish peace and heartwarming words about the long standing friendship between Turkey/Pakistan, recalling the speech by Allama Iqbal made at the beginning of the war for Turkish independence. “The response from the Muslims of this territory was unforgettable,” he said. “They gave everything they owned, even to a mother offering her child for sale. How can we ever forget this outpouring of love and support?”
He concluded with a few sentences in Urdu — “The Turkish people will always be grateful to Pakistan; Pakistan’s success is Turkey’s success. As long as Pakistan is strong, Turkey will be stronger. We pray that our friendship is everlasting.”
In response, Admiral Sandheela said it was an honour to be part of the Victory Day celebrations and added a few words about the collaboration taking place between the armed forces of Turkey and Pakistan. He concluded by felicitating the government and people of Turkey on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.
A message from President Erdogan was also read out by Ambassador Girgin, with an introduction and conclusion in English and the main text in Turkish. After this dinner was served and those who did not have to go on to other events stayed on to enjoy Turkish hospitality.