Nawaz Sharif given Turkey's top award

Turkish President Abdullah Gul Tuesday conferred his country's highest civilian award Jumhuriyet Nishan on Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The award was bestowed on Sharif at a special investiture ceremony which was also attended by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

Sharif said it was a great honour for him to receive the prestigious award.

"As a recipient of Turkey's highest state decoration, I am deeply touched by the exalted recognition granted for my humble contribution to furthering our fraternal relations, a calling close to my heart," he said.