PM Shehbaz in Ankara to express solidarity with quake-hit Turkiye

PM Shehbaz in Ankara to express solidarity with quake-hit Turkiye

Ankara (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached Ankara on a two-day visit to Turkiye on Thursday.

Turkish high officials received the prime minister at the airport.

Earlier today, PM Shehbaz Sharif left for Turkiye to express solidarity and support with the Turkish people in the wake of massive earthquake.

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mehmet Pacaci and Consul General Amir Ozbe saw off the premier at the Lahore Airport.

Prior to his departure, PM Shehbaz tweeted that he is leaving for Turkiye with a message of unwavering solidarity and support for Turkish brothers and sisters from the people and government of Pakistan.

He said true to the spirit of one nation living in two states, we consider their loss as ours.

The prime minister said natural disaster as earthquake in Turkiye and Syria are beyond the capacity of any single government to handle.

"It is time the world should come forward and extend support to the suffering humanity," he added.

During his two-day stay in Ankara, PM Shehbaz will meet President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan to personally convey heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire Pakistani nation over the loss of lives and the widespread damage.

The prime minister will reiterate Pakistan’s firm commitment to stand by the Turkish people during difficult times and to continue extending all possible support to the ongoing relief effort.

PM Shehbaz will also visit earthquake-affected areas in southern Turkiye, and interact with the Pakistani search and rescue teams deployed in the area as well as survivors of the earthquake.

On February 6, in the wake of the devastating earthquake in southern Turkiye, the prime minister had spoken with President Erdogan and assured him of all possible assistance for the rescue and relief effort.

Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy deep fraternal ties. The two countries have resolutely stood by each other during every trial and tribulation.