President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said Pakistan and Turkey are tied in lasting bonds of brotherhood and the outpouring of support by the Turkish nation in the wake of last October earthquake manifested the unique nature of this relationship.
He said both Pakistan and Turkey are resolved to utilise their wide-ranging relationship for achieving a bright and prosperous future for their peoples.
The President was speaking to a seven-member delegation of a Turkish non-governmental organisation, Kimse Yok Mu, that called on him and expressed continued co-operation in rebuilding of quake zones of NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The organisation has arranged $4 million for the survivors of Pakistan's worst natural disaster that claimed 73,000 lives on October 8, 2005, and saw a massive international relief operation with Turkey being a foremost contributor with urgent medical and food supplies.
In unison with the Solidarity and the Pakistan-Turkey International Cag Education Foundation, the NGO has offered to take part in rebuilding of AJK University in Muzaffarabad and establishment of a 100-bed hospital.
The two organisations have already set up six educational institutions in Muzaffarabad, two in Mansehra and one each in Balakot and Hasari.
"The Pakistani nation has been deeply touched by the spontaneous expression of support and sympathy by the Turkish people, the government and civil society organisations - this is something for which both nations are proud," President Musharraf told the delegation, led by Mehmet Zeki Ozkara.
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was the first foreign leader to visit the quake-shattered mountainous region, where 7.6-magnitude quake destroyed infrastructure over 28,000 sq km area and rendered over three million people shelterless at the start of Himalayan winter.
President Musharraf recalled challenging task of rescue and relief in the immediate aftermath of the calamity and remarked that the prompt response by all segments of the Turkish nation not only underlines the indelible closeness of our relations but it also reaffirms our shared resolve to work together for the betterment of our people. "We have been overwhelmed by the Turkish response, which has been etched in the heart of each and every countryman," he said, expressing Pakistan's profuse gratitude to the brotherly country.
The Turkish organisation has already made substantial contribution to relief efforts, having provided 150 tents for quake survivors encamped in Islamabad, 600 tents for the quake-affected areas in Muzaffarabad.
In addition to flying medical aid and assistance, Turkey pledged $150 million at the international donors conference held in Islamabad in November 2005, where Istanbul was represented by the Turkish deputy prime minister.
Recently, Turkey has announced another $30 million assistance for Pakistan's reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
Turkey has also provided food and clothing for 75,000 quake survivors, set up two field hospitals one each in Muzaffarabad and Mansehra, arranged vaccination for 40,000 people and extended first aid to around 100,000 people.
It flew in 15 aircraft of relief supplies, 12 craft containing safe drinking water and 111 truckloads of succour and relief goods.
Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority Chairman Altaf Saleem was also present during the meeting.
Later, President Musharraf interacted with the Turkish media representatives and expressed a firm resolve to take forward Pakistan-Turkey relations to new levels through expansion in commerce and economic relations.
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