Turkish delegation is considering various projects in Punjab

Lahore: Ambassador of Turkey in Pakistan, S. Babur G. Girgin called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here today. Head of Corporation & Coordination Council of Turkey Dr. Sirdar Cam, Member Board of Directors of Red Crescent of Turkey Kamil Kolabash, Provincial Health Minister Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Chairman Lahore Transport Company Khawaja Ahmad Hassaan, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretaries of Auqaf, Housing and Home Departments, DG PDMA and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion. Turkish delegation offered cooperation in housing sector and promotion of technical education in Punjab during the meeting.

Welcoming the offer of cooperation in housing sector and promotion of technical education, Shahbaz Sharif expressed the hope that during the tenure of new Ambassador of Turkey, ties between Pakistan and Turkey will further strengthen. He said, no doubt, Pak-Turkish friendship is strengthening with every passing day. He said that due to the efforts of present leadership of Pakistan and Turkey, historical brotherly relations between both the countries are now changing into economic cooperation. He said that Turkey has helped Pakistan in every hour of trial generously during natural calamities like flood or earthquake. He said that ties between both the countries are tied with the relationship of brotherhood, love and affection.

The Chief Minister said that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated him and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha and expressed good wishes for Pakistani nation. He said that Turkish people have given new dimension to its relations with Pakistan during the last five years. He said that the great cooperation of Turkey for the assistance of flood affectees is a shining example of excellent friendship between both the countries.

Referring to the development of technical education sector, the Chief Minister said that through promotion of technical education, job opportunities can be created and poverty reduced. He said that there is no dearth of manpower in Pakistan and 60 percent population of the country consists of youth aging 15 to 30 years. He said that Punjab government is running skill development programme successfully with the cooperation of DFID UK. He said that Punjab government wants to benefit from the experience and expertise of Turkey for the promotion of technical education. He said that Turkey has made tremendous development through the promotion of technical education.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has greatly impressed with the low-cost housing projects during his recent visit to Turkey and expressed his desire that such housing schemes should also be launched in Pakistan. He said that we welcome cooperation of Turkey with regard to preparing low-cost housing schemes. Shahbaz Sharif said that fully activation of concerned departments for relief activities during accidents and incidents is of vital importance. He said that the institutions like Red Crescent as well as Provincial Disaster Management Authority and Rescue-1122 are performing their duties. However, the experience of Red Crescent Turkey will be benefited for capacity-building of other concerned institutions including Punjab Red Crescent, he added.

The Chief Minister termed the offer of cooperation by Turkish delegation in technical education, housing sector and Red Crescent a welcoming step. He said that Punjab government will take steps rapidly in this regard so that experience and expertise of Turkey in these important sectors could be fully benefited.

Talking to the Chief Minister, Ambassador of Turkey in Pakistan S. Babur G. Girgin said that there is a relationship of love and brotherhood with Pakistan and he will play his due role for further strengthening Pak-Turk relations. He assured that further investment will be brought from Turkey to Pakistan. He said that Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Pakistani people are our friends and brothers and assured that Turkish government and people will continue to play their role for the development and prosperity of Pakistan shoulder to shoulder with their Pakistani brethren.

S. Babur G. Girgin said that cooperation with Pakistan in every sector will be further promoted and he has received great affection in Pakistan. He said that Turkish delegation is considering various projects in Punjab and steps would be taken for enhancing cooperation with Punjab.