Mayor of Istanbul Dr Kadir Topbas was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival here on Sunday on a two-day official visit. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, members of the provincial cabinet, members of national and provincial assemblies, senators, senior officers and others important personalities were present at the Lahore Airport.
The Chief Minister said that Dr Topbas' visit would not only be helpful in promotion of trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Turkey but also strengthen brotherly relations between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Topbas said that Pakistan was his second home and he was very much pleased to visit Lahore. He said that the Lahorites had won his heart by according him a rousing welcome. "You have proved that the hearts of the people of Turkey and Pakistan beat together," he remarked.
Earlier, a contingent of Punjab Police presented a guard of honour to Dr Topbas at the Lahore Airport. People were carrying national flags of Pakistan and Turkey and also presented folk dance on the route of the motorcade.