Islamabad, 29 December 2022 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, held a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday.
Both dignitaries discussed matters of common interest and the prospects of enhancing relations between Pakistan and Turkiye in multiple domains. They also underscored the latest developments on floods and Ankara’s aid to the victims.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the significance of enduring support and solidarity from the international community for Pakistan’s ambitions to rebuild better after terrible floods.
Also read: Turkiye-Pakistan: 75 years of Diplomatic Relations
In this vein, he underlined the enormous task Pakistan faces in rehabilitating and rebuilding the flood-affected districts in a way that is climate resilient.
The Prime Minister invited President Erdogan to the international summit being co-hosted with the United Nations (UN) in Geneva on January 9 of 2023. The conference is being held in the wake of the recent terrible floods in Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif also thanked the brotherly Turkish government on behalf of the people of Pakistan and the government for providing swift humanitarian aid in the aftermath of the unprecedented catastrophic floods.
During his turn, President Erdogan expressed his sincere sorrow over the destruction brought on by the unprecedented floods.
Erdogan said he is closely following Pakistan’s struggle against the flood disaster and that they are mobilizing to provide the needed support.
Additionally, he voiced support for Pakistan’s people in their hour of need on behalf of the government and the people of Turkiye. He praised the actions taken by the Pakistani government to rehabilitate flood-damaged regions.
The President assured full participation on behalf of the Turkish government in the upcoming climate conference.
Turkiye’s support during the flood
A delegation led by Turkish Interior Minister, Suleyman Soylu arrived in Pakistan soon after the flood. It was the first foreign delegation to arrive amid floods.
They showed solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan and monitored the devastation caused by floods.
Additionally, the first team of the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) arrived in Pakistan on August 7. Ankara has so far sent 12 military aircraft and four “Kindness Trains” loaded with relief supplies.
Also read: Turkiye sends humanitarian aid to Pakistan
Those include thousands of tents, emergency food items, medicines, boats, kitchen items, baby food, and other goods. The Turkish Red Crescent has also dispatched two trucks loaded with relief supplies.
){kind=link}