Erdogan receives Palestinian excellence award

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday received the Palestinian International Award for Excellence and Creativity (PIA) 2011 for his contribution and support to the plea of the Palestinian people. Turkey's Consul in General Sakir Ozkan Torunlar received the award on behalf of Erdogan at a ceremony which was organized under the auspices of President Mahmoud Abbas at the Al Najah University and also attended by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. The award has been granted since 2007 in order to honor the people and institutions for their achievements in the development of Palestine. In a message Erdogan said, "I gladly receive this message on behalf of my country and people."