Turkey’s aid for flood survivors hailed

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said relations between the peoples of Turkey and Pakistan are based on love and brotherhood.

Talking to Turkish President Abdullah Gul at Aiwan-e-Sadar Ankara Tuesday, Shahbaz said the way Turkey stood by Pakistan in hour of need is highly commendable. He said other friendly countries also helped Pakistan but the assistance rendered by Turkey was unparalleled. He said there is a need for transforming these close bonds into economic and trade ties. MPAs Kh Salman Rafique, Mohsin Latif and Kh Ahmad Hassaan were also present on the occasion.

The chief minister thanked the Turkish president for generous help to flood affectees. He said he would request Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to extend the flights of Turkish Airlines to Lahore. He also invited Turkish president to visit Lahore.

Gul said he had fond memories of his visit to Pakistan, especially Lahore and Turks have deep love for Pakistan. Meanwhile, talking to Director Turkish International Cooperation Agency Musa Kulakl Koya at his office in Ankara, the CM said services of Turkish International Cooperation Agency for the relief of flood victims were also commendable. He said agreements had also been signed with Istanbul Municipality for promotion of cooperation in solid waste management and technical education sectors.

Earlier, Director TIKA Musa Kulakl Koya briefed the CM on various projects in Punjab. Shahbaz also visited Istanbul Museum and was given a rousing welcome by Istanbul Governor Hussyin Evni Mutlu. A reception was also arranged attended by Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas and others.

Addressing the reception, the CM said he would always cherish the fond memories of the love and hospitality of Turkey. He also invited the governor and mayor of Istanbul to visit the Punjab. Kadir Topbas said Turkey is second home of Pakistanis.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Punjab government and Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey at TUSKON Center Istanbul. Under the agreement, a business conference will be held in Lahore in March for signing agreements.

Shahbaz also called on Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Matters of mutual interest came under discussion during the 50-minute one-on-one meeting, according to a handout issued Tuesday. Shahbaz thanked the Turkish prime minister for flood aid and said the way Turkey had helped Pakistan is unforgettable.

Erdogan said Turkey will continue to play its role for relief of flood victims. He said Pakistan is a brotherly country of Turkey and maximum cooperation will be extended. Later, the chief minister also met Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc.