Pakistani PM receives the Order of the Republic Medal of Turkey

ANKARA

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is seen at the presidential palace in Islamabad in this file photo. AFP PHOTO / PAKISTAN PRESS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif was decorated with Turkey’s highest state decoration, the Order of the Republic Medal of Turkey, by Turkish President Abdullah Gül at a ceremony in Ankara on Sept. 17.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gül said the order is the highest state decoration that can be conferred on people that are not heads of state.

Underlining that he was honored to give the medal, which is conferred on statesmen who play key roles in developing relations between Turkey and others, to Sharif, Gül said: “Pakistan is an exceptional state with whom we have a deeply rooted friendship and brotherhood. The mutual relations and cooperation between the two countries have reached the highest levels. For your entire political career you have spent all your efforts to promote democracy and accelerate the 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.”

For his part, Sharif said he was honored to be decorated with the order. “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.”

During a three-day visit to Turkey, Sharif will sign several memorandums of understanding and agreements for enhancing bilateral cooperation in different fields, including security, finance, housing, education, culture, science and technology and trade.

Parliamentary Speaker Cemil Çiçek, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, Pakistani ministers, Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş and scores of businessmen also attended the ceremony.