Turkish PM welcomes his Pakistani counterpart

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan formally welcomed Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif in Turkish capital Ankara on Tuesday. The two prime ministers are expected to hold a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting and the meetings between Turkish and Pakistani delegations. Pakistani PM Sharif decorated with top Turkish civil award by President Gul Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif was decorated with Cumhuriyet Nishan by Turkish President Gul at the ceremony held at Presidency Palace. Parliament Speaker Cemil Cicek, PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, FM Ahmet Davutoglu, Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, Pakistani Ministers, IstanbulMayor Kadir Topbas and scores of businessmen attended the ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony that was opened with reading the curriculum vitae of Nawaz Sharif, Gul stated that the Cumhuriyet Nishan is the highest state decoration conferred to those other than heads of state. Underlining that he is honored to confer Cumhuriyet Nishan to the Pakistani PM Navaz Sherif which is conferred to statesmen playing key roles in developing relations between the states and reproaching societies; Gul said, "Pakistan is an exceptional state which we have deeply rooted friendship and brotherhood with. "The mutual relations and cooperation between the two countries have reached at the highest levels. For your entire political career you have spent all your efforts to promote democracy and accelerate development of your state. You always acted in a prudent, patient and patriotic manner even at the times when democracy was suspended in order not to harm your country. With all deeds of yours you always assured and gave hope to Pakistani people and us, friends of Pakistan" Gul added.      Reminding that Sherif led the way of being elected as Prime Minister for the third time, Gul stated that this shows that Pakistani people appreciated his leadership and statesmanship and the trust they feel towards him. Referring to the 11 May elections Gul attracted attentions to the fact that the power in Pakistan changed hands with the highest rate of participation in elections without any interruption in the role of civil will and democratic political process, Gul also said that this reflects the level of democracy in Pakistan and it may be an inspiration for the Islamic world, both in terms of political leadership and democratic maturity. Following his speech President Gul conferred Cumhuriyet Nishan to Nawaz Sharif. Speaking after the conferment, Sharif stated that he is honored to be decorated with Cumhuriyet Nishan. "As a recipient of Turkey’s highest state decoration, I am deeply touched by the exalted recognition granted for my humble contribution to furthering our fraternal relations, a duty I wholeheartedly support," said Sherif. Stating that it is renewal of an abiding commitment, to work continuously and untiringly, towards exploring new vistas for cooperation between the two countries Sharif went on to say "Excellency, the significance of this graceful ceremony goes beyond its symbolism. It is a testimony to the special and unique nature of our relationship that thrives in the hearts of our two peoples, from the heights of the Himalayas to the plains of Anatolia." Nawaz Sharif also stated that this relationship is, however, as much a narrative of the past and the present as it is a promise of a great future for two democracies, with a common outlook and shared perceptions. "I believe that through the holding of the 3rd Meeting of the High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC), we are taking concrete steps towards that end. I am confident that the wide-ranging initiatives that will come under discussion later this evening will lay the foundations for a dynamic and future oriented discourse to our strategic relations," said Sharif. Referring to President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan, Sharif said "We have sincere brothers and partners, who are committed with equal zeal, to the promotion of Pakistan-Turkey relations. I look forward to working closely with the Turkish leadership in the days ahead, for the collective good of our two countries and taking our relationship to great heights. Long-live Pakistan-Turkey friendship." Following the conferment of the Cumhuriyet Nishan, a reception was given. Earlier, President Gul had received Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The meeting, held at Cankaya Presidential Palace, was closed to the press.