President Zardari conferred Turkish award ‘Devlet Nishan’

ANKARA, Apr 13 (APP): Turkish President Abdullah Gul conferred on President Asif Ali Zardari the highest Turkish State Order Medal ‘Devlet Nishan’ at an impressive investiture ceremony here on Wednesday.President Zardari, who is on a four-day official visit to Turkey, while receiving the award said, “this is a special honor that has deeply touched me. I will always cherish it as a great personal treasure.”The President said the Devlet Nishan will also serve to remind the strong brotherly ties between our two nations.“The importance of this ceremony goes beyond symbolism. It is a testimony to the special nature of our relations. It is a testimony of the brotherly relations between our two peoples... that existed even before Pakistan and Turkey emerged as modern nation-states.”

President Zardari said that the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his meeting with the first Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan had said, “A long history binds the people of Turkey and Pakistan right from the very birth of political consciousness among the Muslims of the sub-continent”.

The President said, “it is therefore no surprise that the first official mission sent abroad by Pakistan was to Turkey in October 1947.” 
“Over the years our historical, political and cultural ties have further deepened. The “Devlet Nishan” conferred on me today has placed on my shoulders the responsibility to carry forward our relations to even greater heights.” 
The President reiterated his resolve to working closely with Turkish brethren for the progress and development of two peoples.  “Long-live Pakistan-Turkey friendship”, he added.