“The Battle of Çanakkale was one of the wars for survival in the history of Turkey”
22.04.2014
During his speech at the joint press conference he held with Governor-General Jerry Mateparae of New Zealand at the Çankaya Presidential Palace, President Gül referred to the Battle of Çanakkale as the time when the relations between the two countries were born, saying: “This battle was one, and through it the world witnessed chivalry and examples of humanity. The friendship growing from there has gained strength since then also through mutual visits at the highest level.”
President Abdullah Gül held a joint press conference with Governor-General Jerry Mateparae of New Zealand, who is paying a state visit to Turkey, at the Çankaya Presidential Palace.
WHAT THE BATTLE OF ÇANAKKALE MEANS TO BOTH COUNTRIES
Evincing his pleasure at welcoming the Governor-General of New Zealand to Turkey, President Gül said that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, they enjoy sincere and close relations and referred to the Battle of Çanakkale as the time when the relations between the two countries were born. The Battle of Çanakkale, the President reiterated, was one of the wars for survival in the history of Turkey and said it also created a nation-consciousness for New Zealand.
“This battle was one, and through it the world witnessed chivalry and examples of humanity. The friendship growing from there has gained strength since then also through mutual visits at the highest level. Thousands of people come from New Zealand and Australia-which are also known as the Anzak region- toTurkey each year to commemorate their ancestors falling in the Battle of Çanakkale.” He further informed his audience that they will mark the centenary of the Battle of Çanakkale next year.
AGREEMENT TO LIFT VISA REQUIREMENTS MUTUALLY
President Gül further maintained that during the talks between their delegations, they had exchanged views on how they could boost the existing bilateral relations on the basis of this friendship, referring to the joint declaration they signed back in 2010. “An agreement to lift the visa requirements mutually has been signed. We hope that the necessary agreement to encourage and guarantee investments will soon be signed as well.”
