Remarks by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood at the Opening Ceremony of Photography Exhibition, “Colours of Pakistan and Turkey – Through the Lens” Ankara, 4 October 2016

Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, President of Yunus Emre Institute,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen!

We are honoured to welcome you to the Opening Ceremony of this Photography Exhibition.

At the outset, I wish to express our deep gratitude to Prof. Dr. Şeref Ateş, President of Yunus Emre Institute, for excellent collaboration in co-organizing this event.

I also welcome in our midst – Mr. Gulraiz Ghouri and Mr. Faisal Rauf – the two leading photographers from Pakistan, whose splendid work is at display here.

Distinguished Guests,

This exhibition has an apt theme: Colours of Pakistan and Turkey - Through the lens.

Turkey and Pakistan are, indeed, two very colourful countries -- endowed with immense natural beauty, vibrant societies, and rich culture.

With the help of the lens, Gulraiz Ghouri and Faisal Rauf have composed an outstanding visual narrative – generating sharp images of the beauty and diversity of the two countries and peoples with remarkable effect.

I am confident that this Exhibition will help open a new window for many people, who have not yet explored the places or traditions in Pakistan and Turkey that are highlighted here.

The togetherness of Pakistan and Turkey – through shared history and culture – is also a powerful element of the narrative.

As we nurture the political and economic dimensions of our special relationship, we are equally focused on deepening mutual collaboration in the cultural sphere as well.

Today’s Exhibition is another effort to reinforce the people-to-people dimension of our multi-faceted ties.

In the coming months, insha Allah, we will also bring forth the exponential and creative growth taking place in music, literature and visual arts in Pakistan.  

To conclude, I thank Gulraiz Ghouri and Faisal Rauf and all friends and colleagues at Yunus Emre Institute, CerModern, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad, and other institutions whose collaboration has made this Exhibition possible.

Thank you and enjoy the evening. Yaşsasin Pakistan-Turkiye Kardeşligi!