Pakistan, Turkey Agree To Further Expand Ties
Pakistan, Turkey Agree To Further Expand Ties
ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip
Erdogan have agreed to further expand mutual cooperation between the two brotherly
countries in diverse fields.
They agreed to further deepen the existing cooperation in trade and defence relations, settlement
of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions, joint efforts for durable peace in
Afghanistan and elimination of terrorism.
The two presidents had one to one meeting, which was followed by a delegation level meeting at
the Aiwan-e-Sadr. On the occasion, President Mamnoon proposed to conclude a comprehensive
and long-term framework agreement for defence cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey,
which was agreed by the visiting dignitary.
The president expressed satisfaction at Turkeys cooperation for its submarine upgrade and
acquiring of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft from Pakistan by Turkey. President Erdogan said
that bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries would grow further in the coming
days, adding that in this regard all necessary measures would be taken.
The two leaders agreed that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the
resolutions of the United Nations. Expressing concern over the human rights violations in Indian
held Kashmir, President Mamnoon called for an inquiry of these atrocities under the UN
auspices.
The president thanked the Turkish president on Turkeys support on the Kashmir issue and
reaffirmed Pakistans support for Turkeys position on Cyprus. He hoped that the issue would be
resolved soon on which the Turkish president thanked the president and the Government of
Pakistan.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Deputy Secretary General and spokesperson
Ibrahim Kaln, Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan Sadik Babur Girgin, Foreign Secretary Aizaz
Ahmad Chaudhry and other senior officials were also present.
He noted the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Turkey had declined during the last few years
and emphasised the need to enhance it. Agreeing to the suggestion, the Turkish president stressed
the need for joint ventures for enhancing the bilateral trade and said soon there would be
improvement in that regard.
Mamnoon Hussain hoped that Turkish investors would invest in Pakistans energy and
infrastructure sectors. He expressed satisfaction over the growing Turkish investment in
Pakistan. The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterated
the resolve that Pakistan and Turkey would continue to cooperate with each other for elimination
of terrorism.
Erdogan said the Turkish people would resolutely defeat terrorists belonging to PKK and Daesh.
He commended the resolve of Pakistani nation and armed forces in the fight against terrorism
and hoped that peace would soon be completely restored in Pakistan.
On the occasion, President Mamnoon proposed to celebrate the 70th year of Pakistan-Turkey
diplomatic relations in a befitting manner through exchange of high level visits, issuance of joint
commemorative stamps and cultural exchanges to which the Turkish president agreed.
He apprised his Turkish counterpart about developments related to CPEC and said that this mega
project would be a source of progress and stability in South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle
East.
Erdogan expressed pleasure at fast paced development of the CPEC and said Turkey believed
that the project would become a source of international peace and stability. Mamnoon Hussain
appreciated Turkeys strong support for Pakistans Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership.
He expressed satisfaction that most countries had adopted a constructive and balanced approach
for peace in the region but expressed his concern at the biased and discriminatory attitude of
some mcountries over the regional issues which was creating problems. Earlier, upon arrival
President Erdogan was warmly received by Mamnoon Hussain at the main entrance of the
Aiwan-e-Sadr.