THE SORROW OF PAKISTAN IS OUR SORROW

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis stated in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that the aid supplied for Pakistan should be provided sensitively and should cover a long term.

Returning the meeting organized by the UN General Assembly in the USA due to the flood disaster in Pakistan, Bagis held a press conference in the VIP lounge of Ataturk Airport.

Bagis said that he attended a private meeting in New York with the representatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the flood disaster in Pakistan and they had the opportunity to discuss the disaster in Pakistan which was probably the most destructive one of the world history. He reported that they presented the message from Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan which clearly expressed the determination of Turkey to have the primary role in providing aid for Pakistan in his speech at the General Assembly.

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis remarked that Turkey had transferred 10 million Dollars to Pakistan for their needs and continued as follows:

"Apart from these, stuff which is worth more than two million Dollars such as building materials, drugs, food, blankets and tents was transferred to the country. Turkish Red Crescent, Turkish non- governmental organizations and relief associations were among the first international groups that reached Pakistan. Also, two C-130 cargo planes of Turkish Armed Forces which were full of medical supplies were sent to Pakistan and left there to meet transportation needs.'

Expressing that he wanted those who could not give hand to Pakistan until then to provide aid for the Pakistani in Ramadan, a month of compassion and mercy, Bagis said: "The sorrow of Pakistan is our sorrow. Pakistan had the leading role in helping us during the sorrow we experienced on 17 August, 1997. We have always been in solidarity with Pakistan. I believe sincerely that the Turkish people will be sensitive in this process, too".

Source: AA