ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday Turkey welcomed with great happiness that high level Australian and New Zealander government officials had participated in the ceremonies to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the the Battle of Gallipoli, adding that Turkey had "special relations" with both countries.
"Our relations with Australia and New Zealand have its roots deep in history and the historical ties we inherit is a source of mutual respect," the statement said.
The Battle of Gelibolu (Gallipoli), which is known as Canakkale Battles in Turkey, took place at Gelibolu peninsula in Turkey from 25 April 1915 to 9 January 1916, during the First World War.
A joint British Empire and French operation was mounted to capture Istanbul, and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed with heavy casualties.
The struggle laid the grounds for the Turkish War of Independence and the foundation of Republic of Turkey eight years later under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, himself a commander at Gelibolu.
In Australia and New Zealand, the campaign was the first major battle undertaken by a joint military formation, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), and is often considered to mark the birth of national consciousness in both of these countries.
Anzac Day (April 25th) remains the most significant commemoration of military casualties and veterans in Australia and New Zealand.
(YMB-BRC)