ANKARA – President Dr. Arif Alvi arrived in Istanbul today on a three-dayvisit to Turkey at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Recep TayyipErdogan.

He was received by Deputy Governor Istanbul, Pakistan’s ambassador SyrusSajjad Qazi, and other senior officials.

During his stay in Turkey, the President will address the inauguralceremony of new International Airport of Istanbul.

Presidents and Prime Ministers of several other countries will alsoparticipate in the ceremony.

President Dr. Arif Alvi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings withhis Turkish counterpart and leaders of other countries on the occasion.

Earlier, talking to newsmen at Islamabad International Airport prior to hisdeparture, the President said Turkey is an important friend of Pakistan,which has always supported us on all issues, including Kashmir.

Dr. Arif Alvi said Pakistan is grateful to Saudi Arabia for providingfinancial assistance to overcome economic crisis.

He said besides Saudi Arabia, we will also invite other friendly countriesto invest in the country.

To a question, the President termed reports of landing of an Israeliaircraft in Pakistan baseless and unfounded. He said Pakistan is not goingto establish any ties with Israel.

Dr. Arif Alvi said Pakistan had been supporting Palestine because likeKashmir, Gaza had also been faced with unprecedented atrocities.

Pursuing the government’s ongoing austerity drive, the president opted totravel by commercial flight.

Setting aside the protocol, the president himself got his luggage securityscreened and went through the immigration process after awaiting his turnin the queue.