President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in the region and hoped that Turkish Foreign Minister had fruitful discussions at the Heart of Asian Ministerial Conference. The President stated that Pakistan desires complete peace in Afghanistan and is ready to cooperate with the Afghan government for this purpose. The President further stated that Pakistan also wants peaceful relations with India.
The President said this while talking to Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr,Islamabad on Wednesday.
The President said that Pakistan would continue to work with Turkey for transforming strong political relations into a robust economic partnership between the two brotherly countries. He stated that relations between Pakistan and Turkey at both the governmental and people level are ideal and an example for the world.
The President noted that High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) is providing strategic focus and direction to further expand bilateral relations and stressed for implementation of the HLSCC’s decisions. The President hoped that early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment commensurate with vast potential of the two countries.
The President called for further strengthening communication links adding that early operationalization of the ECO Container Train is of crucial importance in this regard. The President said that Pakistan has recently acceded to TIR Convention, which would facilitate trade with Turkey and other regional countries. The President hoped that Turkey would facilitate and make it easier for Pakistani travelers to obtain Turkish visa for visit to Turkey.
The President stated that the government and people of Pakistan stand in strong solidarity with Turkey, as it has suffered grievously from terrorist attacks in the past several months. Expressing condolence over the loss of precious lives in the suicide bombing at Ankara on 10 October and attacks targeting security personnel, the President hoped that the Turkish people will decisively defeat the menace of terrorism with their characteristic resolve as a brave nation.
The President expressed gratitude over Turkey’s unwavering support to Pakistan at various international fora on important issues particularly the Kashmir issue. Talking about Syrian situation, the President appreciated Turkish government’s acceptance of over 2 million Syrian refugees
The President congratulated the Turkish leadership for the remarkable victory in recent elections. The President extended an invitation to Turkish President to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The President also congratulated Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu on his re-appointment as Foreign Minister.
Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Pakistan is his second home and he is very happy to be here. He appreciated Pakistan’s role for regional peace and stability. He further stated that Turkey will continue to support Pakistan on all issues and there is a complete understanding and unanimity of views between the leadership of the two brotherly countries.
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