ANKARA - The German Ambassador in Ankara, Eckart Cuntz, hosted a reception Tuesday at the Swiss Hotel to celebrate the "Day of German Unity" and the "German Cultural Activities in Turkey".
Turkish State Minister Mehmet Simsek, Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertugrul Gunay and Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Hasan Igsiz were among the dignitaries who attended the reception.
Ambassador Cuntz began his speech at the reception by "remembering the 17 Turkish soldiers who were killed recently while on duty."
The Day of German Unity and the German Cultural Activities in Turkey would contribute to strengthening ties between the peoples of the two countries, Cuntz stressed.
Speaking at the reception, Ertugrul Gunay said that he is pleased to see the two Germanies united.
I thank you Mr. ambassador for remembering our slain soldiers, Gunay said.
"Germany is hosting Turkish cultural events. The ties established by cultural activities will not break," Gunay said.
Following the speeches, a band from the German Air Force played the national anthems of Turkey and Germany.
The Day of German Unity is a national holiday in Germany, celebrated on October 3, which commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990.
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