Visit to Türkiye for Anzac Day commemorations and the United Arab Emirates

This week, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Türkiye for Anzac Day and to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Some 75,000 Australians and New Zealanders fought on the Gallipoli peninsula from 25 April 1915, where more than 8,700 Australians lost their lives. 

More than a century on, we acknowledge their courage and sacrifice, and all of our current and former service men and women who have served and died in conflicts. 

The Deputy Prime Minister will represent Australia at Anzac Day commemorations in Turkiye, where he will deliver the commemorative address at the Gallipoli service. 

During the visit, he will also meet his Turkish counterpart, Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler.

In the UAE, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other senior leaders. 

Australia and the UAE enjoy a broad relationship, and are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

He will also visit Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to Headquarters Middle East ahead of Anzac Day. 

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP: 

“It is an honour to represent Australia at this year’s Dawn Service at Gallipoli. 

“Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders make the pilgrimage to Türkiye each year to pay tribute to our current and former serving men and women and commemorate the ANZAC’s courage, endurance and mateship which still lives on today

“Australia deeply appreciates Türkiye’s continued hospitality and generosity in supporting these commemorations. 

“I am pleased to return to the UAE and look forward to discussing the breadth of our ties, including our dynamic trade relationship.

“In the lead up to Anzac Day, it will be an honour to visit Australian personnel serving in the Middle East, and we thank the UAE for their generosity in hosting them.”