Pak-Turkey Tied in Lasting Bond of Brotherhood: President

President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said that Pakistan and Turkey are tied in lasting bonds of brotherhood and the outpouring of support by the Turkish nation in the wake of last Oct earthquake manifested the unique nature of relationship.

He further added that Pakistan and Turkey are resolved to utilize their wide-ranging relationship for achieving bright and prosperous future for their people.

The President was speaking to a seven-member delegation of a Turkish non-governmental organization, Kimse Yok Mu, led by Mehmet Zeki Ozkara that called on him here on Saturday and offered to build 10 educational institutions in the quake hit areas of NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The organization has arranged US dollars four million for the survivors of Pakistan's worst natural disaster that claimed 73000 lives and saw a massive international relief operation with Turkey being foremost contributor with urgent medical and food supplies.

In unison with solidarity and Pakistan-Turkey International Cag Education Foundation, the NGO has offered to take part in rebuilding of AJK University in Muzaffarabad and establishment of 100-bed hospital.

The two organizations have already set up six education institutions in Muzaffarabad, two in Mansehra and one each in Balakot and Hasari.

"The Pakistan nation has been deeply touched by the spontaneous expression of support and sympathy by the Turkish people, the government and civil society organizations this is something for which both nation are proud", President told the delegation.

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was the first foreign leader to visit the quake shattered mountainous region, where 7.6 magnitude quake destroyed infrastructure over 28000 sq Km area and rendered over 3 million people shelter-less at the start of Himalayan winter.

President Musharraf recalled challenging task of rescue and relief in the immediate aftermath of the calamity and remarked that the prompt response by all segments of the Turkish nation not only underlines the indelible closeness of our relations but it also reaffirms our shared resolve to work together for betterment of our people.

"We have been overwhelmed by the Turkish response, which has been etched in the heart of each and every countryman, he said, expressing Pakistan's profuse gratitude to the brotherly country.

The Turkish Organization has already made substantial contribution to relief efforts, having provided 150 tents for quake survivors encamped in Federal Capital, 600 tents for the quake affected in Muzaffarabad.

In addition to flying medical aid assistance, Turkey pledged US dollars 150 million at the International donors conference held in Islamabad in November, where Istanbul was represent by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister.

Recently Turkish has announced another US dollars 30 million assistance for Pakistani's reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

Chairman Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) Altaf Hussain Saleem was also present during the meeting.

Turkey has provided food and clothing for 75000 quake victims, setup two fields hospitals one each in Muzaffarabad and Mansehra, arranged vaccination for 40,0000 people and extended first aid to around 100,000 people.

It flew in 15 aircraft of relief supplies, 12 craft containing safe drinking water and 111 truckloads of succor and relief goods.

Later, President Gen Pervez Musharraf interacted with the Turkish media representatives and expressed a firm resolve in the interviews to take forward Pakistan-Turkey relations to new level though expansion in commerce and economic relations.