LAHORE, Sept 27: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Turk province Van and laid the foundation stone of a hostel for 256 earthquake affectees to be constructed at a cost of one million dollars.

Parliament member Burhan Kayaturk and the president of an International NGO Kimse Yukmo, Unaal, accompanied him. When the Punjab chief minister arrived at Van city, the governor of the province, Münir Karaoglu, and a large number of people warmly welcomed him.

The chief minister also met with Münir Karaoglu at his office and discussed matters relating to promotion of investments in various sectors between Punjab and Turkey.

Later, the chief minister and his entourage visited Pir Gharip village where people warmly welcomed them with traditional dance and placards. The village presented a festive look.

Shahbaz Sharif also attended a luncheon hosted in his honour. He distributed 1,000 packets of relief goods among earthquake victims of two villages.

Meanwhile, the chief minister also held one-on-one meeting with Turk Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan for one-and-a-half-hours.

The Turk prime minister expressed his good wishes for the people of Pakistan on his behalf and on behalf of the Turk people.

Shahbaz said the role of Turk companies in various sectors in Punjab was laudable and we are proud of friendship with Turkey.