Defence Day of Pakistan reception held in Ankara
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ISLAMABAD: (APP) Pakistan Embassy in Ankara on Wednesday evening hosted Defence Day of Pakistan reception which was attended by a large number of Turkish military and civilian dignitaries
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Hosted by Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Sohail Mahmood and Defence & Air Attach‚ Air Commodore Abbas Ghumman, the prominent guests included the Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff (TGS) General šmit Dundar, Deputy Minister for National Defence Suay Alpay, Chairman of Defence Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Yusuf Beyazit, President of Turkey-Pakistan Cultural Association Burhan Kayaturk, high officials and Pakistani community attended the reception, said a message received here.
The proceedings began with the observance of one-minute silence for all the martyrs - including the martyrs of 15th July coup attempt in Turkey and the victims of terrorist attacks in both countries.
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Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks on the occasion, highlighted the significance of the Defence Day, noting that on 6th September 1965, the State of Pakistan was faced with the toughest existential challenge.
But, by the grace of the Almighty, and with the iron resolve of the defenders of Pakistan, these aggressive designs were effectively thwarted, he said and added that this outcome was possible due to the supreme courage, bravery and sacrifices of the armed forces, backed by the unflinching support of the nation.
Ambassador Sohail added that the professional preparedness of the Pakistan armed forces remained at its peak, against all possible contingencies.
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He emphasized: "Especially, at a time when the atrocities in Occupied Kashmir are at an unprecedented level, and all kinds of threats are being hurled to harm Pakistan, the armed forces remain vigilant and ready to defend the country against any threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Referring to Pakistan-Turkey defence ties, Ambassador Sohail said it was gratifying that defence collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey continued to flourish.
During 2016, the Commanders of the Turkish Naval, Air, and Land Forces, as well as the Chief of Turkish General Staff, had visited Pakistan. He noted that in May, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif visited Izmir for the multinational Exercise EFES- 2016. Bilateral defence industry collaboration was also growing steadily, he added.
In his message, Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik extended warm felicitations on commemoration of the Defence Day of Pakistan and reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to further deepen defence cooperation and defence industry collaboration between the two fraternal countries.