Both the leaders agreed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to UN resolutions and called for enhancing trade, defence cooperation
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Turkey have reaffirmed commitment to transform their long-lasting and brotherly relationship into a strong strategic partnership.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain agreed on Wednesday to expand cooperation between the two brotherly countries in numerous fields. Pakistan’s President and his Turkish counterpart discussed trade and defense ties, agreed to deepen the existing cooperation in the solution of Kashmir and called for common efforts for lasting peace and elimination of terrorism in Afghanistan. He has expressed satisfaction over submarine upgrade with the cooperation of Turkey and the acquisition of Super Mushshak trainer jets to Pakistan from Turkey.
President Erdogan, who is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain, is accompanied by a high-level entourage, including ministers and senior officials, as well as a large business delegation.
Mr. Erdogan said necessary measures would be taken in bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries to grow further in the coming days.
Both the leaders agreed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to UN resolutions. While expressing concern over human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir President called for an investigation into these atrocities in UN auspices.
President Mamnoon Hussain thanked the Turkish President, as Turkey supports Pakistan on Kashmir reiterated support for Turkey’s position on Cyprus.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif warmly received the Turkish leader at the Nur Khan Airbase with Begum Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers and senior officials were also present on the occasion. Two children clad in traditional costumes presented a bouquet to the visiting dignitary.
On arrival at the PM House, a formal welcome ceremony in honor of the Turkish President was held., Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warmly received and Anthems of both the countries were played and a smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces also presented guard of honor the visiting dignitary.
Later, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif introduced his cabinet members to the Turkish President. The Prime Minister also met the Turkish delegation with Erdogan.
Mr Erdogan will visit Lahore, the Prime Minister will host a banquet in his honor at the royal palace. “Pakistan are bound by an ideal relationship characterized by warmth, cordiality and mutual trust in Turkey. Their history, common faith, cultural and linguistic relations are deeply embedded sense of common destiny,” tour in a statement released earlier in the Foreign office.
“The friendly nation of Turkey plays a vital and active role as a member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu Kashmir. In a vivid reflection of mutuality of concerns, Pakistan supports Turkey on the Cyprus issue,” the statement mentioned. The leaderships in Pakistan and Turkey remain strongly committed to further deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship in all fields of human endeavor.
Turkey to help Pakistan in Education and Health sectors: First Lady of Turkey
First Lady of Turkey Emine Erdogan says her country is ready to extend every kind of help to Pakistan in health and education sectors.
Addressing a function of Red Crescent Society in Islamabad today, she said Turkey will particularly cooperate in promotion of girls education in Pakistan. The first lady distributed wheelchairs among the deserving disabled persons. She donated twenty electronic wheelchairs and ten incubators to Red Crescent Society.
She also thanked Pakistani poeple for extending cooperation after failed coup in Turkey.