Nawaz meets Erdogan, thanks Turkey for supporting Pakistan

PML-N chief thanks Turkish prime minister for Turkey's support and assistance to Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif paid a courtesy call on the visiting Prime Minister of Turkey Tayyip Recep Erdogan in Islamabad on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two leaders recalled their earlier meetings, both in Pakistan and in Turkey, which had enabled them to develop ties of friendship and mutual affection.

Sharif recalled his visit to Turkey in October 2011 on Erdogan’s invitation. According to Sharif, the visit had enabled him to gain an “invaluable understanding of the remarkable transformation that had taken place in Turkey, under the wise and sagacious leadership of Erdogan”.

The PML-N chief further complimented the Turkish prime minister on introducing far-reaching reforms that had strengthened the country’s economy, as well as the institutions of democracy.

Sharif also thanked Erdogan for Turkey’s support and assistance to Pakistan over the years and in particular, after the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods that had devastated large areas of Pakistan.

He added, “Turkey’s swift and generous assistance had left a deep imprint on the people of Pakistan and strengthened the bonds of friendship between them.”

The Turkish prime minister thanked Sharif for his “strong and abiding” friendship for his country, which he greatly valued. He reaffirmed Turkey’s ‘unflinching’ support to Pakistan.

Sharif was accompanied by Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Leader of Opposition in Senate Ishaq Dar.