ISLAMABAD: A one-day International Multidisciplinary conference on “Pakistan-Turkiye Relations” organized at Allama Iqbal Open University highlighted the significance of bilateral ties between the two big Muslim countries, and the speakers stressed its further consolidation.
Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor AIOU, presided over the opening ceremony while the Turkish ambassador to Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Pacaci, participated as the chief guest.
Pacaci said that Turkiye and Pakistan have deep brotherly ties, and both nations have always helped each other in tough times.
He said that both countries have historical and ethnic relations and are also culturally connected.
The envoy appreciated AIOU and Yunus Emre Institute (YEI) for organizing the conference to further strengthen the brotherly ties between the two nations.
Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood, on his part, said that AIOU pays particular attention to cooperation with international veracities.
Step forward to strengthen relations
He said that the conference is a step towards furthering both nations’ research and educational interests.
AIOU has inked several MoUs for research, educational, and exchange programs with Turkish institutions and universities, including Ibn Khaldoun University, Anadolu University, Istanbul University, TUGVA Foundation and ILKE Foundation.
He said that AIOU and Istanbul University jointly organized an international conference in Istanbul in 2022, and now they have organized this event to promote Pak-Turkiye ties and explore more areas of cooperation.
The speakers said that both sides must recognize the challenges posed by Islamophobia and focus on dialogue, education, and awareness to deal with the dilemma.
They reiterated the commitment to further strengthen cooperation between universities of both sides in science and technology, socio-cultural fields and arts.
They added that socio-cultural exchange and research programs are important to promote understanding between the two nations, which can help promote economic prosperity and growth.
