The head of Turkey's Protection Department Superintendent Mustafa Bal is visiting New Zealand to meet with his counterparts and key government agencies.
Superintendent Bal's department is responsible for the security of government buildings, embassies and visiting dignitaries, airports and sea ports and is also responsible for security at Gallipoli for the annual ANZAC commemorations each April.
In the period leading up to the ANZAC commemorations, as well as during the commemorations themselves, security and law enforcement staff from New Zealand and Australian work with Superintendent Bal's department on security matters. This work plays a part in helping to ensure the safety of the many New Zealand, Australian and Turkish citizens who attend the yearly commemorations.
As a reflection of the cooperative spirit underpinning current Gallipoli commemorations, and in recognition of those soldiers who lost their lives ninety years ago, Superintendent Bal will be visiting the Ataturk Memorial at Tarakina Bay on Wellington's south coast for a wreath laying ceremony.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jon White, head of Police's International Service Group, said Superintendent Bal's visit is an excellent opportunity to further build on the friendly relations New Zealand enjoys with Turkey.
ENDS
EDITORS NOTE: The visit to the Ataturk Memorial will take place at 1400 tomorrow (Tuesday 26/09/06).