By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, held a significant meeting with the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye Durmas Bastug at his camp office on Thursday. The meeting focused on reinforcing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, with particular emphasis on interfaith dialogue, cultural cooperation, and mutual support for minority communities.
During the meeting, both dignitaries reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical, religious, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. They expressed their shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people connections and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including education, religious tourism, and cultural exchange.
Ramesh Singh Arora praised Türkiye’s consistent support for Pakistan on regional and global platforms and lauded the Turkish government’s initiatives for promoting religious harmony and tolerance. He briefed the Consul General on the Punjab Government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights of minority communities and to foster an inclusive society based on equality, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
The Consul General appreciated the Government of Punjab’s progressive policies under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, especially those aimed at protecting minority rights and preserving religious heritage. He expressed Türkiye’s willingness to collaborate in heritage restoration projects, capacity-building programs, and interfaith dialogue forums.
Both leaders agreed that strong collaboration in cultural and educational fields can play a pivotal role in promoting regional peace and understanding. It was also decided to explore joint ventures in organizing interfaith conferences and exchange visits of religious scholars, civil society leaders, and youth delegations.
