ANKARA: 24 March 2015: To celebrate Pakistan’s
National Day, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood hosted a reception on Monday evening. A
large number of guests including from amongst Turkish political and
military leadership, parliamentarians, senior officials, media representatives,
Pakistani community and diplomats based in Turkey attended the reception.
H.E. Mr. İdris Güllüce, Minister of Environment and Urbanization and co-chair
of Pakistan-Turkey Joint Economic Commission, was the chief guest. Head of
Turkey-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, and Deputy Chief of Turkish
General Staff General Yaşar Güler, were among the other high level guests
attending.
Minister İdris Güllüce in his speech said that the people of
Turkey and
Pakistan are brothers. He said
Turkey is grateful to the people of
Pakistan for
standing by in difficult times during the Turkish War of Independence. He said
that the Turkish nation will never forget this support. Mr. Güllüce added that
Pakistan has a
special place in the hearts of Turks. He said the excellent bilateral relations
are being transformed into a vibrant economic partnership. “We aim to achieve
bilateral trade of US$ 1 billion this year,” Mr. Gulluce said. “We are pleased
to note that
Pakistan
will be represented at the highest level at the centenary commemorations of
Çanakkale battle this year,” he added.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood in his speech thanked the dignitaries for
attending the national day celebrations, noting that celebrating “Pakistan Day”
in
Turkey is like
celebrating it in
Pakistan
as
Turkey
is truly our second home. Referring to the recent visit of Prime Minister Ahmet
Davutoğlu to
Pakistan,
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said the visit made significant contribution to our
joint efforts to transform our cordial relationship into a comprehensive
partnership. He added that both countries have decided to commence negotiations
on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both countries are also taking steps to further
promote investments, increase defence collaboration, and intensify cultural
collaboration and people-to-people exchanges, he added.
A “Pakistan Food Festival” also commenced with the National Day reception.
Guests were served Pakistani cuisine prepared by executive chefs invited
specially from Pakistan’s
leading hotel chain. The Food Festival shall continue for one week.
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