ISTANBUL: In a major development, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Trade and Development Bank on Saturday announced a financial assistance of 150 million euros to Pakistan.
This development was revealed during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and ECO Trade and Development Bank President Yalsan Yuksel in Istanbul.
Yuxal said the financial package would provide financial support for flood relief efforts as well as fuel imports. He said that after the distribution of this committed amount, the total financial assistance given to Pakistan since the establishment of the bank will reach about one billion dollars.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the ECO Trade and Development Bank and appreciated the important role of the bank in fulfilling the development related activities of the member countries.
He emphasized that at a time when Pakistan is facing economic and environmental challenges, the provision of financial assistance by ECO Bank is highly appreciated by the government and the people of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said that ECO Bank has been an important institution in the overall institutional framework of ECO member countries and its long-standing relationship with Pakistan is commendable.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave a briefing regarding tourism in Turkey.
Turkish Trade Minister Dr. Mehmet Mas informed Prime Minister Shehbaz about his country’s tourism policy and investment opportunities for Pakistani businessmen.
Heads of Turkish tourism sector companies were also present during the briefing.
Issues related to promotion of tourism in the coastal areas of Pakistan, joint projects and increasing bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector were also discussed.
The participants of the meeting also considered the possibilities of joint projects for the promotion of tourism in the northern regions of Sindh and Punjab of Pakistan.
Prime Minister left for Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for home after completing a two-day official visit to Turkey.
Senior diplomatic officials of Pakistan and Turkey bid farewell to the Prime Minister and his delegation at the airport.
The Prime Minister made a two-day visit to Turkey at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, mainly launching PNS Khyber, the third of four corvettes built for the Pakistan Navy.
During the visit, the Prime Minister met President Erdogan one-on-one, held delegation-level talks and interacted with members of the business community.
