ANKARA  (DNA) – President Dr. Arif Alvi arrived in Istanbul today on a three-day visit to Turkey at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He was received by Deputy Governor Istanbul, Pakistan’s ambassador Syrus Sajjad Qazi, and other senior officials.

During his stay in Turkey , the President will address the inaugural ceremony of new International Airport of Istanbul.

Presidents and Prime Ministers of several other countries will also participate in the ceremony.

President Dr. Arif Alvi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his Turkish counterpart and leaders of other countries on the occasion.

Earlier, talking to newsmen at Islamabad International Airport prior to his departure, the President said Turkey is an important friend of Pakistan, which has always supported us on all issues, including Kashmir.

Dr. Arif Alvi said Pakistan is grateful to Saudi Arabia for providing financial assistance to overcome economic crisis.

He said besides Saudi Arabia, we will also invite other friendly countries to invest in the country.

To a question, the President termed reports of landing of an Israeli aircraft in Pakistan baseless and unfounded. He said Pakistan is not going to establish any ties with Israel.

Dr. Arif Alvi said Pakistan had been supporting Palestine because like Kashmir, Gaza had also been faced with unprecedented atrocities.

Pursuing the government’s ongoing austerity drive, the president opted to travel by commercial flight.

Setting aside the protocol, the president himself got his luggage security screened and went through the immigration process after awaiting his turn in the queue.