Shahbaz, Istanbul mayor to expand cooperation

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif held a meeting with Istanbul Mayor Mevlut Uysal in Turkey and discussed different matters of mutual interest, including extension of cooperation in different sectors for bringing further improvements in civic amenities. Both the leaders strongly condemned the US announcement of accepting the occupied Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. On the occasion, the chief minister said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had represented the sentiments of whole Muslim world, adding that the US decision of accepting Jerusalem as the Israeli capital could sabotage peace in the Middle East. “The Islamic world should adopt an effective strategy by standing united on this important issue,” he added. He said Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed historically important brotherly relations and added that Turkey was very dear to his heart.

“I am thankful to the Turkish leadership, as well as the people of Turkey, for providing extensive cooperation to Pakistan in every sector along with their fullest support.”

During the tenure of PML-N government, the brotherly relations between the two countries had turned into useful economic cooperation, Shahbaz added.

“Pakistani people consider Turkey as their second-home and the Turkish people have the same feelings for Pakistan,” he noted.

Turkey tremendously progressed during the tenure of Erdogan, he said, adding that Turkish people loved their leader.

The Istanbul mayor said the cooperation with the Punjab government would be further expanded in different sectors, adding that Shahbaz Sharif had done the exemplary work for development Punjab.

The chief minister, he added, had emerged as a role model and was moving further the process of public welfare as a mission, totally transforming Punjab, especially the city of Lahore.

Meanwhile, Shahbaz has expressed his deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of a Punjab University student in a road accident in Muslim Town.

Extending sympathies to the bereaved family, the chief minister on Wednesday sought a report and directed the officials concerned to take legal action against the driver for the accident.