Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Thursday said that Turkey would continue to make its modest contribution to Pakistan's economy and the well-being of its people, as it wished to see the country become stable, peaceful and prosperous.
He made these remarks at a luncheon meeting hosted by the PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif at his Raiwind residence in honour of the Turkish President, Abdullah Gull, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan. The luncheon meeting was also graced by the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who was welcomed by Nawaz Sharif as an honoured guest.
The other prominent personalities present on the occasion were Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Minister-in-waiting Rehman Malik and Hamza Shahbaz Sharif. The PML-N Quaid in his remarks described Turkey as Pakistan's committed and consistent friend and ally that has stood by Pakistan during its most difficult times.
Nawaz offered his congratulations to President Abdullah Gull on the conferment on him of Pakistan's highest civil award, "Nishan-e-Pakistan", which was evidence of the high regard and respect in which the people of Pakistan held the Turkish President. In this context, he appreciated the many initiatives taken by the Turkish government to expand and enhance its relations with Pakistan, especially in the fields of trade, industry and investment.
Nawaz Sharif requested the Turkish President to convey his warm regards and good wishes to Prime Minister Erdogan, whose bold and visionary policies had not only strengthened the institutions of democracy, but also enabled the country to play a most positive role in the region and beyond. Consequently, Turkey was now viewed as a model of a modern, moderate and progressive Muslim state.
The Turkish President expressed his profound thanks and deep appreciation to Nawaz Sharif for hosting the lunch in his house, which was reflective of the strong bonds of affection and friendship between them, as well as the excellent relations between their countries.