Summary Pakistan and Turkey have decided to complete the negotiation for free trade.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistan and Turkey have reaffirmed commitment to transform their special relationship into a strong strategic partnership.
The understanding came during talks between the two countries, which were led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Islamabad on Thursday.
Later, speaking at the joint press stakeout, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the two sides have agreed that increased trade, investment and commercial cooperation must be the nucleus of the robust economic relationship.
He said Pakistan and Turkey have decided to complete the negotiation process for comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement by the end of next year.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Turkey are indispensable partners and they would continue to work together closely to strengthen peace, security and development in the region and beyond.
Mian Nawaz Sharif said he briefed the visiting dignitary about Pakistan’s continuing commitment to build a peaceful neighbourhood despite setback to our sincere efforts.
He said he also updated him about continuing grave human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir and the current state of Pakistan-India relations.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif thanked President Erdogan for promoting peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute and the active role Turkey has been playing in OIC Contact Group on Kashmir.
He also expressed deep appreciation of Turkey for its strong support for Pakistan’s bid for membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The Prime Minister referred to the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July this year and said the resolve and resilience with which Turkish people defeated the illegal assault on democracy was remarkable. He said the courage with which President Erdogan led the resistance effort from the front was decisive.
He said the entire Pakistani nation regardless of political affiliations was unanimous in expressing support and solidarity for Turkey’s elected government and democratic institutions.
He said people of Turkey wrote a new chapter in the annals of history and democracy.
