World Bulletin/News Desk

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu decorated outgoing Pakistani ambassador Muhammad Haroon Shaukat Friday with the medal of distinguished services, in recognition of his efforts for promoting Turkey-Pakistan relations.

Cavusoglu, once again, offered his condolences over the loss of innocent lives in the tragic Peshawar terrorist attack last week.

A gruesome mass shooting at an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar, Pakistan, took place on Dec. 16, leaving 145 people, mostly children dead.

The Turkish FM said that Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is due to visit Pakistan in 2015.

Cavusoglu also said that during this visit, the 4th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting between Turkey and Pakistan will take place. 

“I am sure that this meeting will boost bilateral relations,” he added.

Shaukat, who has been serving in Turkey since 2011, said that “no two countries share each other’s happiness and sorrow as Turkey and Pakistan do."

He added that, at this critical time, Turkey is indeed Pakistan’s most valued and trusted strategic partner in every domain.