As we remember our grandfathers, we stand together, knowing that they would have made great friends had they met elsewhere.
HMNZS Te Kaha's recent visit to Istanbul underlines our strong connection and co-operation with New Zealand. We reinforce several peacekeeping missions together and share valuable insight on issues ranging from development projects in the Pacific to the ongoing crises in the Middle East.
Our trade volume has almost doubled since 2009. We are working to bring more Turkish students, tourists and businessmen to see this breathtakingly beautiful country and contribute to its growing economy. Turks are always delighted to welcome our friends from New Zealand every April 25 and throughout the year.
As we remember our forefathers together, we mark Gallipoli as the seminal event that established the friendship between Turkey and New Zealand.
Today, we prove once again that reconciliation and co-operation will always triumph over conflict. Where once our forefathers stood, fought, and died, we now stand together. Today, we remember our heroes, and as Ataturk famously said, "our sons as well".
Governor-General of New Zealand, Sir Jerry Mateparae
On April 25 every year, we gather to remember our nation's fallen, as well as the brave men and women who have served in all conflicts in both combat and peacekeeping roles.
We have been marking Anzac Day for 99 years - longer than most people's lifetimes - and our world has seen several generations of change since 1915.
What has not changed, and what observance of Anzac Day helps to affirm, are the qualities we prize: courage, compassion and comradeship - qualities which were displayed by our troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula and by our armed forces in subsequent conflicts.
On this day in 1915, a century ago, New Zealand and Australian troops disembarked at Gallipoli, on to a narrow beach flanked by steep cliffs. Just hours into the campaign, as their comrades fell all around them, they realised how perilous their mission was.
It was the beginning of an eight-month ordeal, an experience which was to be a turning point in the history of this nation.
Visiting Gallipoli today, it can be hard to imagine how that serene landscape was beset by the noise, terror and confusion of battle. While we are fortunate to live in a time of relative peace, on Anzac Day we can reflect on the impact of conflict on our communities, and on our brave servicemen and women.
It was a privilege and honour for me to open Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington last week. Pukeahu is a place of contemplation, where generations of New Zealanders will go to honour those who have served their country and to learn more about our history of military service, in war and in peace.
With more young people attending Anzac services each year, I am confident that the torch of remembrance is burning brightly, and will be passed on to future generations.
In this way, we can be assured that the significance of Anzac Day will not fade, and people will continue to gather in towns and cities throughout New Zealand and across the world to commemorate our nation's fallen and to remember the sacrifice of those who went before us.
Prime Minister John Key
One hundred years ago, the newly formed Anzac forces landed at what we now know as Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
These men, who left New Zealand and Australia compelled by a sense of duty and adventure, could not have been aware of the immense challenges and horrific conditions they would face at Gallipoli.
Nor were they aware of the remarkable legacy they would leave.
The repercussions of World War I sent shockwaves through our small nation. It was a time when New Zealand, then a member of the British Empire, began to play its own role on the world stage. A century later, we stand proud as a modern multicultural nation as we remember the sacrifice and fortitude of our forebears.
This year thousands of New Zealanders and Australians will mark the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landings at dawn on the peninsula. Turkey's welcoming of these visitors is testament to the possibility of building lasting peace, and ultimately friendship, out of conflict.
Over the next four years there will be a wide range of commemorative events around the world. In New Zealand, our legacy project is Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. With the park now open, we have a national focal point at the heart of our capital city where we can go to honour and remember all those who have served our nation.
It is fitting that the first country to place a memorial at Pukeahu is Australia. The strength of our unique relationship, galvanised at Gallipoli, has helped our two nations play significant roles in the promotion of peace and security internationally.
Last year New Zealand gained a place on the United Nations Security Council for the first time since 1994. This is a huge honour, allowing us to further our commitment to building stability and maintaining peace worldwide.
Today we acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all New Zealanders who have served in military conflicts. The values of courage, comradeship and commitment shown on the battlefields of World War I remain the foundations of our Defence Force.
As we honour this Anzac spirit we can be proud of those who served then, just as we are proud of those who serve today.
