TRABZON - A memorial service took place in northern province of Trabzon on Wednesday to commemorate victims of last year's plane crash on the first anniversary of the accident.
Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, Spanish Defense Minister Jose Bono Martinez and 3rd Army Commander Gen. Oktar Ataman opened Turkish-Spanish Friendship Monument.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gonul said they commemorated Spanish soldiers who lost their lives in a plane crash while returning home from their mission.
Gonul said Turkey and Spain were two friendly and ally countries having no problems, and noted that, ''current relations between the two countries are rooted in history. Increasing cooperation and friendship between the two countries will be guarantee of the region. We also appreciate the positive contributions of Spain under the umbrella of NATO, UN, OSCE and the EU.''
Spanish Defense Minister Martinez in his part said Turkey and Spain have rooted relations, and noted that he hoped to preserve the memories of the 62 soldiers in their hearts.
An Ukrainian plane crashed in the Pilav mountain near Kockine hamlet in Sahinkaya region in Macka on May 26, 2003, killing the thirteen crew members including a Belorussian and 12 Ukrainian citizens, and sixty-two Spanish peacekeeping soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
(AY-AÖ) 26.05.2004