PR No. 19 Islamabad: September 2, 2016

President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan and Turkey will continue to forge closer cooperation in all areas of life including trade and economy adding that recent investment in Pakistan by Turkish organizations is encouraging. The President hoped that the Turkish government will continue to encourage Turkish companies to invest in different sectors of Pakistan including infrastructure, solid waste management and food processing.

The President said this while talking to Omer Cihad Vardan President of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey who along-with a delegation called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Friday. Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan Sadik Babur Girgin, Turkish Co-Chairman of Pak-Turk Business Council Atilla Demir Yerlikaya and other high officials were also present on the occasion.

The President hoped that signing of Framework Agreement for a comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Turkey will help to further promote trade ties between the two countries. The President noted that the volume of trade between the two countries is below its potential and expressed optimism that conclusion of FTA will be helpful in increasing bilateral trade volume. The President welcomed the negotiations between the two countries to further enhance bilateral trade.

The President said that Metro Bus project, solid waste management and windmill projects have become shining examples of close cooperation between the two countries adding that Turkish investors should also invest in energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan. The President underscored that both countries should benefit from each other’s expertise in different fields. The President stated that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will create new possibilities for economic progress and Turkey should benefit from it as well.

President Mamnoon Hussain said that Pakistan stands by Turkey in war against terrorism and expressed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives in the recent string of terrorist attacks in Turkey. The President stated that Pakistan too has suffered from terrorism for more than a decade, with more than 62,000 lives being lost in the fight against terrorism. The President said that Pakistan has gained successes in war against terrorism through operation Zarb-e-Azb the success of which has been lauded by the international community, including Turkey, for which we are grateful.

The President said that the way Turkish people played their role for safeguarding the democracy will be remembered forever in international history. President Mamnoon Hussain said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoy strong partnership and the future of both countries is bright and expressed confidence that the two countries will continue to work together for peace and prosperity.

 

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