ANKARA
Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Tuesday that the relationship between Turkey and New Zealand borne out of the ashes of the Gallipoli battle in 1925 continues to bear fruit.
New Zealand's Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae is visiting Turkey and after meeting with Gul at Cankaya Palace in Ankara said that being in Turkey was an honor for him and gave his thanks for the hospitality. He added that "although Turkey and New Zealand are far away from each other, we have many common grounds. Therefore, promoting relations is very important for us."
The president added that Turkey and New Zealand have "signed a mutual tax exemption agreement. I hope we sign agreements on investment promotion and guarantees soon."
Furthermore, Gul went on to say that as preparations are made to mark the 100th anniversary of the war in 2015 we should remember that "the battle in 1915 was full of lessons in humanity for us."
The battle of Gallipoli took place in 1915 during World War One in Canakkale, northwestern Turkey.
Turkey asks for New Zealand's support for UN bid
Meanwhile Turkey's Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek met with New Zealander Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and his delegation at the parliament Tuesday where Cicek praised the country's good relations and said these relations could offer economic and commercial opportunities between the two countries.
Turkey and New Zealand are both candidate countries for non-permanent membership to the UN's Security Council and Turkey hopes New Zealand will support its bid for membership said Cicek adding "all the current problems occur around Turkey and a country which is amid such troublesome incidents can contribute to peaceful solutions if it takes part in UN Security Council."
englishnews@aa.com.tr
