New Zealander Foreign Minister Attends Reception In Ankara

ANKARA - New Zealand`s foreign minister participated in a reception in Ankara on Monday.
Hamish Cooper, New Zealand`s ambassador to Turkey, hosted the reception in Foreign Minister Winston Peters` honor at his residence in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
The New Zealander foreign minister attended the ceremonies to mark the 93rd anniversary of Battle of Gelibolu (Gallipoli). He earlier met Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan.
Peters is expected to depart from Ankara on Tuesday.
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.
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.
(BRC)