Pakistan, Türkiye reaffirm military and strategic ties at Defence Day reception
Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Yusuf Cüneyd attend the national anthems during a Defence and Martyrs’ Day reception in Ankara.
Pakistan and Türkiye on Saturday reaffirmed their longstanding defence and strategic ties as the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara hosted a reception to mark Defence and Martyrs’ Day.
Hosted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ankara Yusuf Cüneyd, the Pakistani embassy organised a reception to mark the day.
Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler attended the reception as the chief guest, which also saw strong representation from the Turkish Armed Forces.
The gathering was also attended by Chief of the Turkish General Staff Gen Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Commander of the Turkish Land Forces Gen Metin Tokel, Commander of the Turkish Navy Adm Ercüment Tatlıoğlu and Commander of the Turkish Air Force Gen Rafet Dalkıran.
In his opening address, Ambassador Cüneyd highlighted the significance of Sept 6, 1965, for Pakistan, saying the day commemorated the courage, resilience and solidarity demonstrated by the Pakistani people alongside the armed forces during the defence of their homeland.
Addressing the gathering, Güler extended felicitations to Pakistan and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s martyrs and veterans.
“For us, Pakistan is more than just a friendly nation; it is an integral part of our shared cultural landscape and a strategic partner with whom we share the same ideals and values,” Güler said.
He added that relations between Türkiye and Pakistan were founded on a shared historical memory, deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and unshakeable mutual trust.
Reaffirming Türkiye’s support for Pakistan, the Turkish defence minister highlighted the historic bonds between the two countries and described Pakistan as a key strategic partner.
He also praised the expanding bilateral cooperation in defence and security.
Güler highlighted the recently forged “Makkah Defence Alliance” between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing it as a historic milestone aimed at strengthening strategic synergy, collective deterrence and long-term regional stability.
Students from the Pakistan Embassy International Study Group (PEISG) gave special performances, while documentary videos highlighting the significance of Defence and Martyrs’ Day were also screened.