Pakistan-Turkey signs Letter of Intent - ERRA to construct Educational Facility for Van quake victims

ANKARA, 15 October 2012: The Government of Pakistan will construct a state of the art education facility for the 2011 Van earthquake affectees in eastern Turkey. A Letter of Intent to this affect was signed here today between the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) of Pakistan and Turkish Prime Ministry’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).

Chairman ERRA Mr. Hamid Yar Hiraj signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan and Mr. Sinan Yildiz, Deputy Director General of AFAD signed on behalf of Turkey while Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat witnessed the signing ceremony. Deputy Chairman ERRA Maj. Gen. Muhammad Azeem Asif was also present on the occasion.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Hamid Yar Hiraj said the proposed education facility, once constructed, will be a long lasting symbol of Pakistan-Turkey friendship. He said the entire Pakistani nation was saddened when we heard about the the October 2011 Van earthquake and offered all possible assistance based on Pakistan’s own experience in dealing with such disasters.

Mr. Hiraj also referred to the Turkish contribution for rehabilitation of the 2005 earthquake affectees in Pakistan. He said quality Turkish construction in the shape of quick impact projects such as schools and hospitals is visible in the rehabilitated areas of Pakistan.

Video: Free use of event’s video clip: http://youtu.be/tTCuNZ2BmCI

For more photos please visit facebook: http://goo.gl/hWRk3