A large number of distinguished guests participated in the reception hosted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Sohail Mahmood in Ankara on 23rd March as part of the National Day celebrations. Senior Turkish civil and military leadership, leading businessmen, media representatives, Pakistani community, and diplomats based in Turkey attended “Pakistan Day” reception. The Minister for National Defence of Turkey, Mr. Fikri Işık, was the chief guest on the occasion. Other high-level guests included Deputy Chief of Turkish General Staff General Umit Dundar, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Ahmet Yıldız, Deputy Minister for EU Affairs Mr. Ali Şahin, Deputy Minister of Economy Mr. Fatih Metin, Chairman of Saadat Party Mr. Temel Karamollaoğlu, Chairman of Grand Union Party Mr. Mustafa Destici and Head of Turkey-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group Mr. Muhammet Balta. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, highlighted the abiding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey and noted the recent developments in forging a strong partnership encompassing all fields. Referring to the year 2017, which marks the 70th Year of Pakistan-Turkey Diplomatic Relations, he stated that a series of events would be organized in the coming months to celebrate this milestone. He thanked the brotherly people and Government of Turkey for their invaluable support for all these efforts. Guests were served Pakistani cuisine prepared by executive chefs invited especially from Pakistan. A “Pakistan Food Festival” also commenced with the National Day reception. A stamps exhibition from the private collection of former parliamentarian Mr. Arsan Savaş Arpacıoğlu was organized on the sidelines. A photography exhibition of Pakistan was also on display to mark the “Pakistan Day.”More photos from the link https://goo.gl/QECCjm