President: (President confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz (M) upon Gen Yasar Guler)

ISLAMABAD:President Dr Arif Alvi conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon Turkish Chief of Armed Forces General Yasar Guler at a special investiture ceremony here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.

Later, the Turkish Army Chief called on the President with his delegation. On the occasion, the President said that the unparalleled fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Turkey has now transformed into a strong strategic partnership over the years and is growing stronger.

He said the English TV channel to be collaboratively launched by Pakistan, Turkey, and Malaysia would go a long way to combat Islamophobia on international level.

The President said that Pakistan and Turkey had supported each other in difficult times and appreciated Turkish support on Kashmir issue, particularly in United Nations.

He reiterated Pakistan’s concern on Indian Army atrocities perpetrated on innocent people of Jammu and Kashmir and said that the international community should play a positive role to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN Resolution.

He also appreciated Turkish government’s support to Pakistan on Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), FATF and its position on UN Security Council reforms.

He stressed that there is a vast potential for investment in Pakistan especially in energy, infrastructure and food processing sector. He said Turkish investments have considerably grown, however, more needed to be done to realize the full bilateral trade potential.

General Yasar Guler said that Turkey fully supported Pakistan on Kashmir issue and expressed hope that India and Pakistan would resolve the issue in accordance with UN resolutions. He further said that Turkey would continue to support Pakistan.