The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, is to visit Turkey next week to lead New Zealand’s representation at the annual Gallipoli commemorations.
The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae will first undertake a bilateral visit to Ankara, where they will be hosted by Turkish President Abdullah Gül and will meet with senior Turkish Government leaders.
Sir Jerry Mateparae said that the visit was an opportunity to convey to Turkey the importance that New Zealand is placing on next year’s centenary commemorations at Gallipoli.
“We are very appreciative of Turkey’s continued generosity in hosting so many New Zealand visitors to its country each year. My visit will be a chance to convey this appreciation at the highest levels, and to discuss the various initiatives we have underway with Turkey to commemorate our shared historical experience nearly a century ago.”
Sir Jerry says that he will also use his visit to discuss New Zealand’s contemporary relationship with Turkey, especially in the trade and economic fields, and to exchange perspectives on regional and global developments.
Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae will provide high-level representation at the annual Anzac, Turkish and other international services on the Gallipoli peninsula. On 25th April, the Governor-General will lead New Zealand’s representation at the 99th commemorations of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli – the Dawn Service, the New Zealand National Service at Chunuk Bair and the Australian National Service at Lone Pine.
The Governor-General and Lady Janine Mateparae will leave New Zealand for Turkey on 18 April, and will return to New Zealand on 27 April.