ANKARA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined world leaders at the inauguration ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Saturday. On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, the Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt congratulations to President Erdogan on his re-election and wished him continued success.
Recognizing President Erdogan’s visionary leadership, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted Turkey’s remarkable achievements in various fields over the past twenty years. As Turkey celebrates its centenary this year, it is fitting that President Erdogan continues to lead the nation towards progress and prosperity.
Expressing gratitude for President Erdogan’s efforts in promoting regional peace and his commitment to diplomacy and dialogue, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the brotherly ties and enhancing strategic cooperation with Turkey. He invited President Erdogan to visit Pakistan to co-chair the 7th Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Islamabad.
Pakistan and Turkey share historic relations that go beyond time and geography. Both countries have stood by each other in times of need while celebrating each other’s successes. President Erdogan thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz for attending the inauguration ceremony and reciprocated the warm sentiments, extending his best wishes to the government and people of Pakistan.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also extended felicitations to President Erdogan during the ceremony. Traditional music and the national anthem of Turkey were played, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
President Erdogan, accompanied by his wife Emine Erdogan, expressed gratitude to the people of Turkey for electing him for another term. He emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort in shaping a better future and strengthening democracy in Turkey. President Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to maintaining good relations with all countries and playing a role in global peace and security.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-level officials from 78 countries, including 21 heads of state, 13 prime ministers, as well as representatives from international organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), NATO, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Earlier, President Erdogan took the oath in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and began his new term. He received his mandate from the Temporary Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, Devlet Bahceli. After taking the oath, President Erdogan visited Anitkabir, paying homage to the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Following the ceremony, President Erdogan hosted a dinner at the Cankaya Palace, the former residence of Turkish presidents. He is expected to announce his cabinet after the dinner.
In the presidential runoff election held last Sunday, President Erdogan secured 52.18% of the vote, while opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu received 47.82% according to the final results announced by the Supreme Election Council of Turkey.