PM arrives in Turkiye to express solidarity with quake-hit nation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Turkiye on Thursday to express solidarity with the quake-hit Turkish nation.

Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkiye, Dr Yousaf Junaid and senior officials of the government of Turkiye received the prime minister at the airport.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, and Chairman National Disaster Management Authority Lt Gen. Inam Haider accompanied the prime minister.

Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif in a tweet said, “I am leaving for Turkiye with a message of unwavering solidarity and support for our Turkish brothers and sisters from the people and government of Pakistan.”

“True to the spirit of one nation living in two states, we consider their loss as ours,” he said.

During his two-day stay, the prime minister will meet President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan to personally convey heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire Pakistani nation over the loss of lives and the widespread damage.

The prime minister will reiterate Pakistan’s firm commitment to stand by the Turkish people during difficult times and to continue to extend all possible support to the ongoing relief effort.

The prime minister will also visit earthquake-affected areas in southern Turkiye, and interact with the Pakistani rescue teams deployed in the area as well as the quake survivors.

Earlier on February 6, the prime minister spoke to President Erdogan and assured him of all possible assistance for the rescue and relief effort.

It is pertinent to note that Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy deep fraternal ties. The two countries have resolutely stood by each other during every trial and tribulation.