ANKARA, 12 October: The Anadolu Agency of Turkey and Associated Press of Pakistan here today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Director General of Anadolu Agency H.E. Mr. Kemal Ozturk and Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey H.E. Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat signed the agreement while Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan witnessed the signing ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said Pakistan’s relations with Turkey are based on historical linkages and shared cultural heritage. She termed the agreement as an important step towards information sharing and projecting true image of the two countries. Dr. Firdous proposed opening up bureau offices of the two agencies in each other countries. Director General Anadolo Agency accepted the proposal and said his agency will soon open a bureau office in Islamabad and would offer full cooperation to Associated Press of Pakistan under the terms of the agreement.
The Minister later on visited different facilities and witnessed a pictorial slide show depicting various aspects of the 2010 floods. The same photos were supplied to all Turkish and international media that helped galvanize Turkish support. Dr. Firdous presented a documentary on 2011 floods and requested all the Turkish media outlets to release the same in order to mobilize the Turkish people and civil society to come forward for the rehabilitation of the affectees.
Director General Mr. Kemal Ozturk said his agency is proud to have the agreement with Pakistan. He said every Turk love Pakistan and every school going child could sing ‘Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan.’
Photo caption: Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan witnessing the signing ceremony of MoU between Anadolu Agency of Turkey and Associated Press of Pakistan while Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Mr Muhammad Haroon Shaukat and Director General of Anadolu Agency H.E. Mr. Kemal Ozturk signing the agreement at Ankara on 12 October 2011.