KARACHI: Minister of State for Inerior Mr. Shehryar Afridi is leading Pakistan delegation to the 6thMinisterial Conference of the Budapest Process being held from 19-21 February in Istanbul.
The aim of this initiative is to promote safe and regular migration, says a press release received from Ankara here today. Upon his arrival at Ataturk Airport Istanbul, Mr. Shehryar Afridi was received by Minister for Interior of Turkey Mr. Süleyman Soylu and Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi. Both counterparts also had a brief meeting.
During the meeting, the special nature of Pakistan-Turkey relations was emphasized. It was noted that bilateral cooperation was flourishing in the political, economic, investment, defence, education and cultural spheres. Matters of mutual interest including sharing experience in the fight against terrorism, countering money laundering, curbing illegal migration, etc. were also discussed.
Mr. Afridi lauded Turkey’s excellent arrangements for hosting millions of Syrian refugees. Minister Shehryar Afridi had a surprise visit to Pakistan Consulate General in Istanbul. He showed satisfaction at various services offered by the Consulate including visa facilitation, passports, etc.
He mingled with Pakistanis visiting the Consulate for various consular matters. Pakistan Consul General Mr. Bilal Khan Pasha briefed the Minister on the issues faced by Pakistanis in Turkey. Mr. Shehryar Afridi also called on President of Religious Affairs of Turkey Prof. Ali Erba. Both sides discussed collaboration in reform of religious education system.
Mr. Afridi showed keen desire to learn from the Turkish Imam Hatip School system. The Turkish model of Imam Hatip School is fusion of Islamic and modern education as it contains as much arts and science classes as normal high schools do.