Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held a detailed meeting with the Mayor of Istanbul Mevlut Uysal during his visit to Turkey.

Different matters of mutual interest including extension of cooperation in different sectors for bringing further improvements in civic amenities came under discussion.

Both leaders strongly condemned the US announcement of accepting Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had represented the sentiments of the Muslim world on the issue. “The US decision can sabotage peace efforts. The Islamic world should adopt an effective strategy by standing united on this important issue,” the chief minister added.

The chief minister said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed historically important and fraternal relations. “I am thankful to the Turkish leadership, as well as to the people of Turkey for providing extensive cooperation to Pakistan in every sector. Pakistani people consider Turkey as their second-home and the Turkish people have the same feelings for Pakistan,” he said.

Sharif praised the Erdogan-led government in Turkey for accomplishing unprecedented economic growth and progress.

The Mayor of Istanbul vowed that his administration would further expand the scope of its cooperation with the Punjab government for improving civic amenities. He said that Shehbaz Sharif had done exemplary work for socio-economic development in the Punjab province. “You have emerged as a role model for public service. The speed with which projects have been completed under your watch is exemplary,” he said.

Earlier, CM Sharif attended the emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC).

He and other members of the Pakistani delegation were received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Later, Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan where both leaders discussed bilateral relations. Later, the chief minister also met Palestinian President Mehmood Abbas.

Published in Daily Times, December 14^th 2017.