(DIP) TURKISH PRESIDENT DEFINES BATTLE OF CANAKKALE AS AN EXAMPLE.

ANKARA, Apr 27, 2009 (TUR) -- The Turkish president defined on Monday the Battle of Canakkale as a historical example.

Turkey's President Abdullah Gul said that the Battle of Canakkale was the first and sole example that nations who came across each other in battle fields could establish friendship in the future.

"The first meeting of our countries, which are geographically away from each other, in Gelibolu (Gallipoli) on April 25, 1915 under gentle conditions even during a war lays the groundwork for our rooted and lasting friendship, based on respect," Gul told a joint press conference with Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand of New Zealand in Ankara.

Gul said that two countries were respecting to each other today, and thousands of New Zealander and Australian people were visiting Turkey on the anniversary of the Battle of Canakkale.

The Turkish president said that those visits were boosting friendship, and expressed his belief that Satyanand's visit would have a positive impact on political and economic relations.

The Battle of Canakkale took place at Gelibolu (Gallipoli) Peninsula in the west of Turkey from April 25, 1915 to January 9, 1916, during the World War I.

A joint British Empire and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Istanbul, and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed, with heavy casualties on both sides.

In Australia and New Zealand, the campaign was the first major battle undertaken by a joint military formation, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), and is often considered to mark the birth of national consciousness in both of these countries. Anzac Day (April 25) remains the most significant commemoration of military casualties and veterans in Australia and New Zealand, surpassing Armistice Day/Remembrance Day.

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