A Korean delegation who arrived in Istanbul for a local festival visited Turkish veterans of the Korean War Monday and paid their respect in a heartwarming display of cross cultural appreciation.
The delegation from South Korean city of Cheonan visited veterans Yaşar Erkanlı and Ahmet Özkan after having been invited for the culture and arts festival held by Cheonan's sister municipality of Büyükçekmece.
Upon presenting decorations issued by the Republic of Korea for veterans, members of the Korean delegation kneeled before veterans to pay their respect. Families of the veterans and Turkish officials accompanying the Korean delegation were very touched by the move.
Delegation from South Korea's Cheonan visits Turkish Korean War veterans in Istanbul, pay respectshttps://t.co/F0zzRJiy3r pic.twitter.com/vDQd1gECDB
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"We are grateful for Turkish soldiers who fought for Korea's freedom and democracy. This strong bond between Turkey and Korea stemming from history will be further increased and carried on by future generations," the delegation said.
Turkey joined the Korean War under U.N. Command during 1950 and 1953 in efforts to support South Korea in its struggle for freedom, democracy and independence, during which a total of 741 Turkish troops were killed. The number of Turkish troops was the second highest among the U.N.-led bloc.
The two countries marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Korea on March 8.
