Envoy calls for strong cultural ties between Pakistan and Turkey

March 14th, 2008 Sana · No Comments

* Around 101 students attend cultural exchange programme

By Saadia Khalid

ISLAMABAD: Turkish ambassador to Pakistan Engin Soysal on Thursday called for strong cultural relations between Pakistan and Turkey to make their youth aware of the heritage and civilisation of both countries.

Addressing the participants of a cultural exchange programme, he said, “Pakistan and Turkey need more publication to apprise the youth of the lifestyle, culture and education of these countries.”

Around 101 students belonging to various universities of Pakistan participated in the cultural exchange programme held in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

Soysal said in such a globalise world there was need for contacts between mind and heart of the people. “Cooperation through technology is the need of the time,” he said.

Soysal said no country in the world could damage the strong religious and cultural relations between Pakistan and Turkey. He said Pakistan was just like a second home for him and his family.

Speaking on the occasion, Ishfaq Mahmood, Ministry of Youth Affairs secretary, said youth should be allowed to travel to both countries to have first hand knowledge and experiences themselves. Stressing the need for interaction between both countries, he said it would help take up joint ventures in future.

Turkish commercial counselor Rafik Ozgur briefed the participants about the economic development in Turkey.

He stressed the need for increasing the trade level between Pakistan and Turkey, which was presently only $700 million.

Head of Turkish Department in National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Durmus Bulgur said there were 2000 common words between Urdu and Turkish language.

Expressing concern over the frequent use of English words in Urdu, he said this behaviour should be discouraged to protect Urdu, which was a beautiful combination of so many languages.

Third Secretary Engin Turesin and member of METU Alumni Association Danish Ahmed apprised the youth of different accessible methods through which the youth of Pakistan could have their higher education in Turkey.

On the occasion, wife of Turkish Ambassador Madame Tulay Soysal performed mini piano concert and received admiration from the audience.

A documentary depicting culture, lifestyle and customs of Turkey was also shown on the occasion in which the youth took special interest.