November 22, 2008	Saturday	Ziqa'ad 23, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Nov 21: The government of Turkey has donated $1 million for the earthquake-affected people of Balochistan.

Turkish Ambassador Engin Soysal gave the cheque for the amount to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here on Friday.

Mr Soysal said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had directed the Turkish Red Crescent and other philanthropic organisations to mobilise relief efforts for the quake-hit areas.

Prime Minister Gilani appreciated the Turkish government’s gesture and said the two countries always stood by each other in times of trial.

Mr Gilani said his meeting with Mr Erdogan during his recent visit to Turkey was productive and he hoped that cooperation between the two countries would be strengthened.

The Turkish Red Crescent is playing a role in the relief and rehabilitation work in Balochistan and its 20 containers carrying relief goods are on way to the quake-hit areas, an official handout issued here said.