ANKARA – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, soon after he lands in Turkey to show solidarity after earthquakes that brought massive destruction and killed over 41,000 people.
During his meeting with the Turkish premier, PM Sharif conveyed heartfelt condolences to Justice and Development Party leader on behalf of the Pakistani people over loss of lives and widespread damage as over a million becomes homeless after the worst natural calamity.
Erdogan receives Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival in the Turkish Presidency. The two leaders will also visit badly affected areas in southern regions and interact with the Pakistani search and rescue teams deployed in the area.
President of Turkiye H.E Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival in Turkish Presidency. Ankara, 16th of February, 2023.#PakistanStandsWithTurkiye pic.twitter.com/vmOLeiwWbm
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 16, 2023
MoFA called his visit a “special gesture of solidarity”, saying it reiterate Islamabad’s pledge to stand by the Turkish brethren during hard times.
PM assured the Turkish premier of all possible assistance for the rescue and relief effort, saying all posiible resources have been mobilized to help Turkish nationals.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets President of Turkiye H.E Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ankara, 16th of February, 2023.#PakistanStandsWithTurkiye pic.twitter.com/plhPEf4E3J
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 16, 2023
Earlier, Sharif set up a relief fund for Turkey along while a rescue team also arrived in the quake-hit country a day after February 6 quakes.
Pakistan Observer earlier reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Turkey at his own expense.
PM Shehbaz, delegation to visit quake-hit Turkey at own expense
