ISLAMABAD – Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey, Muhammad Syrus Sajjad QaziSaturday presented Pakistan’s high civil awards on two leading Turkishpersonalities at a ceremony held in Ankara.
The President of Pakistan had conferred the prestigious “Hilal-i-Pakistan”upon Ismail Kahraman, leading politician and former Speaker of the TurkishGrand National Assembly, said a message received here.
The president also conferred “Hilal-e-Imtiaz” upon Prof. Dr. Recep Akdag,former Deputy Prime Minister and former Health Minister. The awards wereconferred upon the Turkish dignitaries for their services for promoting andstrengthening Pakistan-Turkey relations.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Syrus Qazi lauded the invaluableservices and contributions of Ismail Kahraman and Dr. Recep Akdag towardsfurther cementing Pakistan-Turkey relations.
Qazi said that Pakistan-Turkey relationship has been nurtured by enormousefforts of our earlier generations. He said the responsibility lies with usto further strengthen it and pass this sacred trust to our youngergenerations.
Ismail Kahraman and Dr. Recep Akdag in their remarks thanked the Governmentof Pakistan for the conferment of these prestigious awards on them. Theyreiterated the resolve to continue their efforts for the promotion ofPakistan-Turkey brotherly ties.
It is pertinent to mention here that Ismail Kahraman has been one of thedistinguished figures of the Turkish politics. His unwavering friendshipand love for Pakistan and its people have been the hallmark of hisillustrious political career.
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As a young student during 1965 India-Pakistan war, he organized a masspublic rally in Istanbul in support of Pakistan’s principled position onthe Jammu & Kashmir.
Kahraman has also rendered innumerable services for strengtheningPakistan-Turkey relations throughout his political career, including byproviding unequivocal support to Pakistan at all international forums.
Dr. Recep Akdag has an illustrious professional and political career. Hehas proved to be a sincere friend of Pakistan. As Minister for Health, hehas rendered innumerable services for the uplift of the public healthsystem in Pakistan.
Dr. Recep personal vision and involvement, as part of extensive bilateralcooperation aimed towards provision of modern health facilities andcapacity building at Pakistani public hospitals, played an important rolein improving provision of vital health services in Pakistan.
Turkish Parliamentarians, representatives of various ministries,departments, media, and members of Pakistani community were present at theevent.
