President Erdogan receives guard of honour at PM house

ISLAMABAD: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was given a guard of honour by smartly dressed contingents of the armed forces, upon his arrival at the Prime Minister House on Thursday morning.

President Erdogan, accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan and a high-level delegation, arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday night on a two-day state visit.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly received Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the main entrance of the PM House.

As President Erdogan’s motorcade moved along Constitution Avenue, it was welcomed by a vibrant display of Pakistani and Turkish flags, along with banners expressing goodwill.

Local artists, dressed in traditional attire, performed energetic folk dances along the roadside. A group of men in white cloaks and tall conical hats showcased the mesmerising whirling dervish dance, a cherished part of Turkish culture, the state-run news agency APP reported.

At the formal reception at the PM House, the national anthems of Pakistan and Türkiye were played as President Erdogan stood at the salute dais.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan then introduced their respective delegations before heading into a bilateral meeting.

To symbolise the strong ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, President Erdogan planted a pine tree sapling in the Prime Minister’s House lawn.

Turkish President visit: Traffic advisory issued for Islamabad

A squadron of Pakistan Air Force jets performed an impressive flypast to welcome the Turkish leader. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir was also present.

Later in the day, both leaders will lead their delegations in the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

SPECIAL SONG TO WELCOME TURKISH PRESIDENT

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released a special song to mark the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Renowned singer Shiraz Uppal has sung the song, which beautifully highlights the deep cultural and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey.

The song reflects the sentiments of love and mutual respect between the people of both nations. It is expected to play a significant role in further strengthening Pakistan-Turkish relations.