ISLAMABAD: PML-N President and National Assembly Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan and Turkey are brotherly countries and are important partners in contributing towards development of the Muslim world’s unity, interests and strength.

Turkey’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ihsan Mustafa Yardakul on Tuesday called upon Mr Sharif and the two discussed bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.

Mr Sharif conveyed his good wishes for Turkey’s President Recip Tayyip Erdogan and said that Turkey is an important country of the Islamic world and Pakistan holds it dear like a brotherly country.

“President Erdogan extended his valuable support for development projects in Pakistan especially in Punjab. The two countries are important partners in the Umah’s interests, unity and strength. With his measures, reforms and organisation, President Erdogan has given a new face to Turkey. the unity and solidarity of the Muslim ummah is a crucial need of the hour,” the opposition leader said, and pointed out that the enemies of Islam wanted to create rifts among Muslim countries.

Ambassador Yardakul congratulated Mr Sharif on his complete recovery from Covid-19.

He said: “Pakistan is like a second home for Turks and the two countries are inseparable.”

He praised Mr Sharif for expediting the progress and development of Punjab as chief minister of the province. He also appreciated the increase in cooperation between the two countries during that time.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2020