Pakistan, Turkey agree to strengthen ties

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed to further expand the mutual cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields.

They agreed to further deepen the existing cooperation in trade and defence relations, settlement of Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions, joint efforts for durable peace in Afghanistan and elimination of terrorism.

The two presidents had one on one meeting which was followed by a delegation level meeting at the Aiwan-e- Sadr.

On the occasion, President Mamnoon Hussain 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 Turkey's cooperation for its submarine upgrade and acquiring of Super Mushak trainer aircraft from Pakistan.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries would grow further in the coming days, adding that in that regard all necessary measures would be taken.

The two leaders agreed that Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.

Expressing concern over human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir, President Mamnoon Hussain called for an inquiry of th atrocities under the UN auspices.

The President thanked Turkish President on Turkey's support on Kashmir issue and reaffirmed Pakistan s support for Turkey's position on Cyprus.

He hoped that the issue would be resolved soon on which 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.

The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and reiterated the resolve that Pakistan and Turkey would continue to cooperate with each other for elimination of terrorism.

President Recep Tayyip 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 the country.