Pakistan and Turkey on Thursday agreed to further strengthen their existing close, deep-rooted and multi-faceted ties and cooperation in diverse areas for the mutual benefit.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, after holding one-on-one meeting and delegation talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, told a joint press conference that they had an extensive and wide-ranging exchange of views.
We reaffirmed our joint commitment to continue to transform our special relationship into a strong, strategic partnership.
The Prime Minister said the two sides agreed that increased trade, investment and commercial cooperation must be the nucleus of the robust economic relationship that they envision.
In this context we have decided to complete the negotiation process for the comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement by the end of 2017, he said.
During the delegation level talks, Prime Minister Sharif and President Erdogan led their respective delegations.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the Parliament House in Islamabad on Thursday, becoming the first foreign dignitary to address Pakistan’s parliament for the third time.
The Turkish leader landed in Islamabad on Wednesday, embarking on a two-day visit — his first to Pakistan since an attempted military coup failed to dislodge him from power earlier this year. Shortly after arrival, he met his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain, who hosted a dinner for the Turkish leader.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq while chairing the joint session of the parliament, welcomed the Turkish president. Chiefs of armed forces along with chief minister Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh are also present.
Erdogan will address a joint session of parliament for a third time having done so earlier in October 2009 and May 2012.
Addressing a joint press conference with PM Nawaz in Islamabad earlier today, Erdogan claimed that the Fethullah Terror Organisation (Feto) is a threat to Pakistan’s security.
He stated that Turkey is in the process of warning all its allies against Feto, the alleged terrorist organisation led by the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who Erdogan has claimed was responsible for the failed coup attempt.
“Gulen’s terrorist organisation is a threat to the peace and security in Pakistan,” he said, while thanking Pakistan’s government for taking action against the concerned organisation.
Addressing the joint press conference with Erdogan, PM Nawaz said, “The fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey are unique and unparalleled.”
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