Nawaz meets Turkish president; discusses
mutual ties, terrorism issue
ANKARA: Turkey has assured its complete support for the solidarity of Pakistan and its efforts for attaining economic prosperity.
The assurance has been given by Turk President Recep Tayyip Erdogan here at the dinner that he hosted on Wednesday at his residence. The two leaders discussed the issues of bilateral interest to a great length, including the elimination of terrorism, development regarding Afghanistan.
President Erdogan, who will be visiting Pakistan next week to attend the 13th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), briefed the efforts of his government for overcoming terror activities on Turk soil. Prime Minister Nawaz reminded the president that “We in Pakistan are equally concerned about any act of terrorism on the soil of Turkey since we are one nation but two states.” The two leaders expressed resolve to enhance their cooperation for wiping out terrorism from the face of earth.
Prime Minister Nawaz appreciated Turkey’s interest and contribution in the developmental projects in Pakistan. He also referred to the concluding of agreement for setting up a solar project for power generation. The agreement in this regard would be inked today (Thursday) here in the presence of two leaders.
Prime Minister Nawaz reportedly expressed the hope that President Erdogan would also use his good offices to bring Afghanistan to terms for provide support to Pakistan’s efforts for eradication of terrorism. The premier and President Erdogan decided to continue their consultations during the current visit and also during the ECO summit in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived here earlier on a three day official visit. He was warmly received at the Esenbõga Airport by the Turkish Federal Minister for Sports and Youth Akif Cagatay Kiliç, a senior Turkish Parliamentarian, and Deputy Governor of Ankara. Two young cute Turkish children presented bouquets to the prime minister and Begum Kalsoom Nawaz on the occasion.
The premier will attend 5th session of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) takingplace here today. The Pakistan-Turkey High Level Cooperation Council (HLSCC) was established in 2009, as a framework for consultations at the highest political level between the two sides. The mechanism provides strategic focus and direction to the bilateral relationship and helps chart a vision for the future.
The six Joint Working Groups (JWG), operating under the umbrella of the HLSCC, focus on a broad range of areas, namely – trade; energy; banking & finance; communications & railways; education; and culture & tourism. So far, four sessions of the HLSCC have been held – December 2010; May 2012; September 2013; and February 2015. The last session was held in Islamabad on 17 February 2015.
More than 50 Agreements/MoUs have been concluded between the two sides within the HLSCC framework. At the conclusion of the 5th session, a joint declaration will be issued. A number of Agreements/MoUs are also expected to be signed on the occasion.
The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, consisting of Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and senior officials.
Together with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, the prime minister would co-chair meeting of the strategic cooperation session. The two sides will discuss cooperation in diverse sectors. A number of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding are also expected to be signed on the occasion.
Nawaz Sharif would also hold wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues. The prime minister will also visit the Turkish Parliament to reaffirm Pakistan’s unequivocal support and solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan against the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July last year. The Turkish Parliament was bombed on that night. The prime minister would pay homage to all those who laid down their lives in defence of the Turkish democracy. The prime minister will start his day today with the visit Ataturk Mausoleum where he will lay wreath to pay tribute to Father of Turk nation.
Besides other engagements along with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yidirim, the prime minister’s programme will include a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The relationship between Pakistan and Turkey is unique in inter-state relations -- marked by exceptional warmth, cordiality and mutual trust. These fraternal ties are nurtured by common faith, shared history, and cultural and linguistic affinities.
The two nations have an abiding tradition of standing by each other and mutually supporting their respective national causes -- including Kashmir and Cyprus. Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey have witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years, ranging from enhanced economic ties to deepening defence collaboration to growing educational and cultural links.
Both sides are working to give powerful thrust to bilateral trade, investments, and commercial cooperation as part of the efforts to build a robust economic partnership. The leadership of both the countries is committed to transforming this historic relationship into a strong strategic partnership in line with the realities of the 21st century. This year also marks the 70th year of Pakistan-Turkey Diplomatic Relations. The two countries envisage special commemorative events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner. The prime minister’s visit to Turkey and the convening of the 5th Session of HLSCC would further deepen the time-tested, unparalleled and historic ties between the two brotherly countries and would impart a strong impetus to their flourishing cooperation in diverse fields.
