NEW YORK, Sunday, February 22, 2025 (WNP): The Permanent Representatives of Pakistan and Türkiye to the United Nations joined members of their respective communities on Sunday to commemorate the third anniversary of the devastating February 6, 2023 earthquake that struck Türkiye.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız attended the solemn gathering held at Masjid un Noor in New York. The event took place over Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan, bringing together members of the Pakistani and Turkish diaspora in a moment of remembrance and solidarity.

The February 6, 2023 earthquake, centered in southern Türkiye near the Syrian border, resulted in massive loss of life and widespread destruction, marking one of the most tragic natural disasters in the region’s recent history.

In their remarks, both ambassadors thanked the Board of Directors of Masjid un Noor for organizing the commemorative event. They emphasized the longstanding and historic ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, describing the relationship as rooted in shared values, mutual respect and consistent support for each other’s core interests.

The envoys highlighted close cooperation at the United Nations and reaffirmed joint advocacy on key international issues, including the causes of the peoples of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. They underscored that the Pakistan–Türkiye strategic partnership continues to be strengthened through diplomatic coordination and people-to-people connections.

Ambassador Ahmad and Ambassador Yıldız also commended the Pakistani and Turkish communities in the United States for their contributions across various sectors. They acknowledged the diaspora’s role in reinforcing bilateral relations and promoting understanding between the two nations.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for the victims of the earthquake and reaffirmation of solidarity between the peoples of Pakistan and Türkiye, reflecting enduring fraternal bonds in times of both tragedy and cooperation.