ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) inaugurated the Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Cultural Center in a ceremony held yesterday. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, was the chief guest, while Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, graced the event as the guest of honor. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor, AIOU, and Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Irfan Naziroglu was also present at the event.
During his address, Minister Attaullah Tarar highlighted the exemplary friendship between Pakistan and Turkiye, stressing the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties. He emphasized the need for increased cultural exchanges to promote mutual understanding of language, history, and culture. He noted that the bond between the two countries transcends challenges, stating, “Our hearts beat as one.” He also praised Turkiye’s culture and dramas, which are widely appreciated in Pakistan, and assured that efforts will continue to promote cultural exchange in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh commended AIOU’s initiative to introduce Turkish language and culture to Pakistan, calling it a positive step. He stressed that education is the key to overcoming poverty, particularly for the many Pakistanis living below the poverty line.
Vice Chancellor, AIOU, Professor Dr. Nasir Mehmood spoke about the university’s efforts to introduce students to the cultures and educational systems of various countries. He mentioned the establishment of the Russian Culture Center at AIOU and announced that a Japanese Culture Center and an Academic Diplomacy Center for Pakistan-Iran relations will soon be launched.
Turkish Ambassador Irfan Naziroglu expressed his views emphasizing that culture serves as an effective bridge between nations, fostering closer ties among their people. He acknowledged the strong collaboration between the two countries at the governmental level and reiterated that cultural exchanges would further enhance bilateral relations.
Country Director, Yunus Emre Institute, Prof. Dr. Halil Toker, provided an overview of the institute’s global presence, sharing that there are 90 Yunus Emre Institutes in 80 countries, with this being the third such institution in Pakistan. The event concluded with closing remarks by senior journalist and author Dr. Farooq Adil. The ceremony was attended by faculty members, senior officers, and many students.
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