22 April 2009
Visit to Gallipoli Peninsula
I will leave Australia tonight, Wednesday 22 April to visit Turkey.
I will have the honour to lead Australia's official delegation to the 94th Anzac Day commemorative services on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Australia and Turkey attach great significance to commemorating the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.
My visit provides the opportunity to personally express Australia's ongoing thanks to the Turkish authorities for the close cooperation and excellent support provided to Australia for Anzac Day commemorations.
On Friday, 24 April, I will attend international commemorations including the Turkish International Service, French Memorial Service, and the Commonwealth Memorial Service.
I will also support the young Australian players at the Australia-Turkey U16 men's friendly soccer game at Canakkale. Following the soccer I will open the Turkish Australian Cultural Centre at the Canakkale 18 March University.
On Saturday 25 April, I will speak on behalf of the Australian Government at the Anzac Day Dawn Service and the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine. I will also attend the Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial Service and the New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair.
I look forward to sharing the Anzac experience with the many Australians who will participate in this year's commemorations.
I encourage all Australians travelling to Turkey for Anzac Day to register on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) smartraveller website. DFAT has also published a special travel bulletin for those attending Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli. This can also be found on the smartraveller website.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555