Nawaz thanks Gul for supporting Pakistan in hard times

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif has described Turkey as Pakistan’s committed and consistent friend and an ally that has stood by Pakistan during its most difficult times.

He made these remarks on Thursday afternoon during a luncheon meeting, hosted in his Raiwind residence, in honour of Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who is currently on an official visit to Pakistan.

The luncheon meeting was also participated by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who was welcomed by Nawaz Sharif as an honoured guest. Nawaz congratulated President Gul on conferment of Pakistan’s highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on him. He termed it an evidence of the high regard and respect in which the people of Pakistan held the Turkish president.

Nawaz Sharif appreciated various initiatives taken by the Turkish government to expand and enhance relations with Pakistan, especially in the fields of trade, industry and investment. He also lauded the role of Turkish companies, which were actively involved in various sectors of Pakistan, including power, energy and communication.

Nawaz 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.

In response, the Turkish president expressed his profound thanks and deep appreciation to Nawaz Sharif for hosting the lunch in his house. Recalling Nawaz Sharif’s personal contribution to strengthening of the Pak-Turkish friendship and cooperation, President Abdullah Gul said the government and the people of Turkey considered him not only as an extremely important political leader, but as their sincere friend and well-wisher as well. He said Turkey would continue making modest contribution to Pakistan’s economy and the well-being of its people.