Enemy of Turkey is enemy of Pakistan: Shahbaz

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said Turkey had steadfastly supported Pakistan, adding, “Turkey and Pakistan are like one soul in two hearts.”

 Shahbaz said, “The enemy of Turkey is the enemy of Pakistan and a friend of Turkey is a friend of Pakistan.” About Fethullah Terrorist Organisation, he said Pakistani officials were looking into the issue and taking action, adding, “Pakistan is closely following the issue.”

He told Anadolu Agency during his visit to Turkey’s central Kayseri province, a message received on Monday said. The chief minister said Turkey and Pakistan had been consulting each other very frequently, citing the visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month and his address to the parliament. “In his speech, he made it very clear that (the) Kashmir (issue) has to be resolved on the basis of equity and fair play. He also mentioned our brotherhood.”

About Turkish investments in Pakistan, Shahbaz said, “They were on the rise, particularly in Punjab – home to about half of Pakistan’s population.” He said there were many Turkish companies operating in the country which was leading to a closer bilateral relationship. But as for the bilateral trade volume which currently less than $1 billion, he urged, “We have to enhance it.”