ÇIÇEK HOLDS OFFICIAL CONTACTS IN PAKISTAN

Çiçek and the speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Fehmida Mirza planted a tree symbolizing friendship between the two countries.

Çiçek signed the visitors' book in the National Assembly, drawing attention to the importance of relations between parliaments.

Çiçek also met with the chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Seyyid Hussein Bokhari and said that Turkey has not forgotten Pakistan's contribution during the War of Independence.

Çiçek said that Turkey closely follows democratic developments in Pakistan.

"Democratic institutions should be strengthened for people's welfare and happiness. Both countries had to overcome obstacles on the way to democratization. We should develop common ways to solve problems" Çiçek said.

The chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Seyyid Hussein Bokhari for his part said that Turkey has an important role in the Islamic world.