ANKARA:
Prime Minister Shehbaz
Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan renewed their pledge on
Wednesday to upgrade the excellent bilateral ties to new heights by infusing
new vigour to two-way cooperation in diverse fields.
Addressing a joint press
stakeout, the two leaders said they had a “very productive” meeting and agreed
to further improve their relations in the fields of tourism, education,
logistics, civil aviation and communication.
Shehbaz met Erdogan on the second day of his three-day official visit to
Turkey. During the visit, the prime minister also addressed the Turkey-Pakistan
Business Forum and held separate meetings with leading Turkish businessmen. At
the joint news conference, Shehbaz said he held very productive talks with
President Erdogan and voiced hope that under the dynamic leadership of Turkish
president, the bilateral ties would scale new heights. He announced
that a strong business delegation from Turkey would visit Pakistan later this
month. “The visit … will provide further impetus to the trade and investment
cooperation,” Shehbaz said, reiterating his resolve to make the visit
result-oriented. He also welcomed President Erdogan’s announcement of holding
the next session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) – a
primary platform at the leadership-level – in Islamabad in the month of
September. Shehbaz said that the two nations had always stood by each other in
testing times and on issues of their core interests. “Pakistan and Turkey are
partners of all times. Many challenges faced by the two nations are same,” the
prime minister stated. He referred to the recent launch of PNS BADR, MILGEM
corvette – jointly constructed by Pakistan and Turkey – as “an example of our
wonderful collaboration”. Erdogan, on the occasion, stressed that Pakistan and
Turkey had strong cooperation in defence sector. “Turkey is ready to further
enhance its bilateral relations with brotherly country Pakistan,” the president
said. He added that a strategic economic framework agreement was signed between
the two countries to enhance the bilateral trade. He said trade volume between
Turkey and Pakistan has exceeded the figure of $1 billion, which is the highest
since 2010. The president encouraged the Turkish business people to invest in
Pakistan. “Pakistan and Turkey are working to further improve their relations
in the fields of tourism, education, logistics, civil aviation and
communication,” he said. “Turkey supports Pakistan in its efforts against
terrorism.” Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s support for the resolution of the
Kashmir issue as per resolutions of the United Nations. Shehbaz appreciated
Turkey’s steadfast support on the Kashmir dispute. He said Indian actions are
posing threat to regional peace and stability.
He said Pakistan and Turkey’s
partnership is for perpetual good. “We have worked together to promote shared
objective of peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He assured Turkey of Pakistan’s
full support on its core issues.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support
to Turkey over Northern Cyprus and resolved that Pakistan stood with Turkey in
its fight against terrorism and terrorist groups like the PKK [Kurdistan
Workers’ Party]. “Enemies of Turkey are the enemies of Pakistan,” he added. Earlier,
the two leaders witnessed the signing of various agreements and memorandums of
understanding for enhanced cooperation in diverse areas of mutual interests.
Earlier, President Erdogan warmly
received Prime Minister Shehbaz upon his arrival at the Presidential Complex.
On the occasion, both the leaders were introduced to the delegations of the two
countries.
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