Turkish Defense Minister Attends Reception Celebrating 100 Years of Turkey-Japan Diplomatic Relations
Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler attended a reception celebrating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Japan. The event was organized to coincide with the visit of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships JS KASHIMA and JS SHIMAKAZE to Istanbul. Navy Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu and Deputy Minister Alpaslan Kavaklıoğlu accompanied Minister Güler at the reception.
In his speech, Minister Güler highlighted the historical significance of the Ertuğrul Frigate, which marked the beginning of the friendship between the two nations when it was sent to Japan. He mentioned the unfortunate accident the frigate experienced on its return journey, resulting in significant loss of its crew, as a foundational moment in the long-standing friendship.
Güler emphasized the mutual love, respect, and sympathy between the peoples of Turkey and Japan, despite the geographical distance. He extended his condolences for the recent earthquake in Japan, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Recalling that the relations between the two countries were elevated to a “Strategic Partnership” in 2013, Güler highlighted the satisfactory level of cooperation in military and defense industries. He also mentioned the positive impact of the TCG KINALIADA corvette’s visits to the ports of Kushimoto, Tokyo, and Hiroshima on the close relations between the nations.
Minister Güler paid tribute to the victims of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, expressing that wars do not solve problems but create new ones. He underscored the importance of peaceful solutions for a more livable world in the future.
In closing, Minister Güler extended his gratitude to those who organized the reception and conveyed his greetings to the people of Japan.
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of National Defense.