ISLAMABAD - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday was conferred honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations from the Quaid-e-Azam University.
Acting President Nayyer Hussain Bokhari conferred the honorary PhD degree upon the Turkish Prime Minister during a special convocation held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, members of the Federal Cabinet, diplomats and other officials besides the academic staff of the Quaid-e-Azam University were also present on the occasion.
The doctorate degree was conferred upon the visiting Turkish Prime Minister to honour his efforts in promoting understanding between civilizations, interfaith harmony, tolerance, freedom, democracy and human rights as reflected in Turkey’s dynamic foreign policy under his leadership.
Vice Chancellor of the Quaid-e-Azam University Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that the Syndicate of the University considered Turkish Prime Minister a suitable person to receive the degree for his valuable efforts and achievements in raising the status of Turkey in the world community. He said the University was proud to have enrolled the Turkish Prime Minister as a worthy recipient of the degree from an institution which was the top most university of the country in research productivity.
Thanking the Quaid-e-Azam University, for honouring him with the PhD degree, the Turkish Prime Minister said both Pakistan and Turkey had very strong brotherly relations based on common background, culture and heritage. He said the two countries were unique in the region having close and friendly relations both at the government-to-government and the people-to-people levels. He said Pakistan and Turkey were brothers and united as fingers of a hand.
Prime Minister Erdogan said both the countries were members of the same civilisation and true friends. He said the honorary degree in International Relations conferred to him today, would further promote solidarity between the two countries.
He said the close cooperation at various levels between Pakistan and Turkey would further strengthen bilateral ties. Referring to the importance and equal status of each and every country in the world, the Turkish Prime Minister said every country should be given respect and honour either it is small or big. He urged the Muslim countries to live with honour and dignity with unity among themselves.
He assured full support and cooperation from Turkey to Pakistan in all spheres.
Later, acting President Nayyer Bokhari hosted a lunch in honour of the Turkish Prime Minister, members of his entourage and diplomats.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and cabinet members also attended the luncheon reception.