MESSAGE BY H.E. M.BABUR HIZLAN, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
I am happy to recall that the brotherly relations between Turkey and Pakistan derive their strength from deep-rooted historical ties and a shared cultural heritage since times immemorial.
The support and solidarity extended by the Muslims of the Subcontinent to the Turkish National Independence War is enshrined deep into the collective memory of the Turkish Nation in the form of legendary stories passed on to the younger generations.
We still remember your grandmothers selling their rings and ornaments of cehiz to raise funds for their Turkish brethren desperately in need of arms and ammunition, singing songs in praise of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal and his soldiers and praying for the success of the Turks. We also know that the Muslims of the Subcontinent regarded Ataturk as their own hero. It is with pride I tell you now that your sacrifices were not wasted away. We did not fail you.
Elderly Turks recall how in the mosques of Karachi and Lahore Pakistanis offered duas for the retrieval of Istanbul and Izmir from enemy hands and for the souls of the Shaheed Turkish soldiers. I must also mention Quaid-e Azams instructions to Muslim League branches to observe Friday the 18th November as Kemal Day and to hold public meetings all over the Subcontinent to express deepest feelings of sorrow immediately after Ghazi Mustafa Kemals passing away in 1938.
All these will be further relayed to the coming generations by word of mouth and lungs and through the annals of history.
It would be of interest to know that the Turkish War of Independence and the movement of Republicanism spurred the independence movement in the Subcontinent that ultimately resulted in the creation of Pakistan, land of the pure people, land of the most generous and kind people on this earth.
With the emergence of the Republic of Turkey from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire the world witnessed the awakening of the nations in the East from foreign domination as well as from the darkness of backwardness.
In order to cope with the challenges of this new era, the Turkish nation, under the able leadership of Ataturk, embarked on a drive involving sweeping reforms and reconstruction in social, economic, cultural and political fields.
The contemporary relations, which are built upon such a sound background, between Turkey and Pakistan have successfully stood the repeated tests of time. This exemplary level of relations clearly demonstrates that fraternal bonds between our countries are from people to people. We share similar concerns and views on most of the current international problems, including the Cyprus and Kashmir issues, and support each other at various international fora.
We are also striving for developing our bilateral economic relations. In this context, I must emphasize that we must spare no effort that would help enhance our interaction in economy and commerce.
I am pleased to state that Turkish companies have been accomplishing important infrastructure projects in Pakistan contributing to its development drive for years. In economic field, however, we feel the need to work with more vigor and enthusiasm to manifest and mobilize the enormous potential our two countries do possess.
I am confident that Turkish-Pakistani relations will have even brighter future when we mobilize our resources in much closer cooperation in the times to come.
Turkish Embassy - Islamabad Pakistan
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