New Zealand-Türkiye ties strengthened by disaster aid, says top diplomat

New Zealand and Türkiye have a long history of cooperation and coming to each other's aid, especially in times of natural disaster, Kiwi Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Saturday as he lauded ties between the two nations.

In a statement, Peters noted how New Zealand rushed to help Türkiye after twin powerful earthquakes in February 2023, underlining that their "relationship continues to strengthen through cooperation in areas such as trade and disaster management."

His remarks came after a recent visit to Türkiye for Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremonies in the northwestern province of Canakkale, where the World War I Battle of Gelibolu took place in 1915.

"New Zealand and Türkiye's shared historical experience at Gelibolu was pivotal in shaping relations between our two countries," said Peters.

New Zealand's National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) signed a cooperation agreement during his visit.

Peters also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during the trip.

They discussed the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, issues related to the Indo-Pacific, and bilateral trade.

On Thursday, Australian and New Zealand officials gathered at the Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Canakkale for a traditional dawn service, marking Anzac Day, which commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

Peters attended the Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site, the New Zealand National Service at Chunuk Bair, and the Australian National Service at Lone Pine alongside Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.

"New Zealand's presence at Gallipoli is made possible by the unwavering generosity and friendship shown to us by the Turkish government and people," Peters said.

"Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a somber reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions," he added.