Australia–Turkey relations
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Australia–Turkey relations are foreign relations between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Republic of Turkey. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1967. Australia has had an embassy in Ankara since 1968, a consulate-general in Istanbul and a consulate in Çanakkale. Turkey has had an embassy in Canberra since 1967 and two consulates-general in Melbourne and Sydney.
The first encounter of Turkey and Australia was on the battlefields of Çanakkale, the scene of a fierce but, at the same time, gentlemanly war. This has created a bond of mutual respect, admiration and friendship. The historical bond between the two countries constitutes a strong foundation to further strengthen and deepen their relations in every fields. The warm sentiments between Turkish and Australian nations were best voiced in the message of the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which was sent to the Australian and New Zealander mothers in 1934 and is as follows: "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives… you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets where they lie side by side here in this country of ours… You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. Having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."[1]
The Çanakkale Battles are commemorated every year in Çanakkale on 24–25 April with a wide participation from Australia.
There are no contentious issues between Turkey and Australia. The Turkish community living in Australia constitutes a bridge of friendship between the two countries.
References
- ↑ Ataturk. Australian War Memorial Online-Encyclopedia, Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 25 April 2011
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