ANKARA: 27 April 2019: Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey H.E. Mr. Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi presented Pakistan’s high civil awards to two leading Turkish personalities at a dignified ceremony held in Ankara today.
The President of Pakistan had conferred the prestigious “Hilal-i-Pakistan” upon Mr. Ismail Kahraman, leading politician and former Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The President also conferred “Hilal-e-Imtiaz” upon Prof. Dr. Recep Akdağ, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Health Minister. The awards were conferred upon the Turkish dignitaries for their services for promoting and strengthening Pakistan-Turkey relations.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Ambassador Syrus Qazi lauded the invaluable services and contributions of Mr. Ismail Kahraman and Dr. Recep Akdag towards further cementing Pakistan-Turkey relations. Noting that Pakistan-Turkey relationship has been nurtured by enormous efforts of our earlier generations, Ambassador Syrus Qazi said the responsibility lies with us to further strengthen it and pass this sacred trust to our younger generations.
Mr. Ismail Kahraman and Dr. Recep Akdag in their remarks thanked the Government of Pakistan for the conferment of these prestigious awards on them. They reiterated the resolve to continue their efforts for the promotion of Pakistan-Turkey brotherly ties.
Citations of both the dignitaries were read out. Mr. Ismail Kahraman has been one of the distinguished figures of the Turkish politics. His unwavering friendship and love for Pakistan and its people have been the hallmark of his illustrious political career. As a young student during 1965 India-Pakistan war, he organized a mass public rally in Istanbul in support of Pakistan’s principled position on the Jammu & Kashmir. As a true friend and well-wisher of Pakistan, Mr. Kahraman has rendered innumerable services for strengthening Pakistan-Turkey relations throughout his political career, including by providing unequivocal support to Pakistan at all international forums.
Dr. Recep Akdag has an illustrious professional and political career. He has proved to be a sincere friend of Pakistan. As Minister for Health, he has rendered innumerable services for the uplift of the public health system in Pakistan. His personal vision and involvement, as part of extensive bilateral cooperation aimed towards provision of modern health facilities and capacity building at Pakistani public hospitals, played an important role in improving provision of vital health services in Pakistan.
Turkish Parliamentarians, representatives of various ministries / departments, media, and members of Pakistani community attended the event.