Turkish PM arrives in Pakistan to boost trade ties

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan arrived here today on a two-day official visit to Pakistan to explore investment avenues.
Erdogan was received by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif at Lahore airport this morning and accorded a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour.
The premier was accompanied by his wife and a delegation of over 100 people comprising prominent businessmen and journalists.
The two countries are likely to sign a number of agreements in the energy sector, including coal power projects and dams, Pakistan Today reported.
Erdogan's visit will help boost trade and investment cooperation, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said.

Some 1,000 policemen were deployed from the airport to the Mall Road, where the Turkish delegation is staying at a hotel.

Owing to security concerns, Erdogan and his wife were taken to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's residence at Raiwind on the outskirts of the city.
Erdogan will meet President Mamnoon Hussain and other senior leaders and officials during his visit.
Nawaz Sharif hosted a luncheon in honour of his Turkish counterpart. Pakistani and Turkish cuisine, including Sharif's favourite 'siri paya and nihari', was presented in honour of the delegation, officials told PTI.
The delegation was later escorted to Aitchison College where cultural festivities were organised.

Shahbaz Sharif presented Erdogan an Arabian horse that the latter accepted with a big smile.