Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Begum Kalsoom Nawaz, Maryam Nawaz, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other high officials warmly received the visiting dignitary. Two children attired in cultural dress of Pakistan presented bouquets to the Turkish President and the First Lady. President Mamnoon Hussain hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting Turkish President at the Presidency after a meeting.
President Erdogan will also hold talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today (Thursday). They will exchange views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, besides regional and international issues. The Turkish President is also scheduled to address the joint session of the Parliament today (Thursday). President Erdogan will also travel to Lahore where the Prime Minister will host a banquet in his honour at Shahi Fort.
According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria, President Erdogan is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain. While the Turkish President has been to Pakistan on a number of occasions, this would be his first bilateral visit to Pakistan since assuming office. "Pakistan and Turkey are bound by an exemplary relationship characterised by warmth, cordiality and mutual trust. There are embedded deep in history, common faith, cultural and linguistic affinities and a sense of common destiny," he added.
He said that frequent exchanges at the leadership and ministerial levels and growing cooperation in diverse fields are the hallmarks of the unique bonds between Pakistan and Turkey. He added that the leadership of both countries is committed to transforming this historic relationship into a strong strategic partnership in line with the realities of the 21st century.
Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey have witnessed tremendous growth and dynamism in recent years, he said, adding both sides are working to give powerful thrust to bilateral trade, investment and commercial cooperation as part of the efforts to build a robust economic partnership. He said that the two countries closely collaborate with and mutually support each other at regional and international forums, adding that Turkey has steadfastly supported the people of the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for the right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.