Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday renewed their pledge to take bilateral ties between the two countries to new heights by infusing new energy in cooperation in various fields.
Addressing a joint press stakeout in Ankara after a meeting, Prime Minister Shahbaz said the relationship between the two countries was “deeply embedded in history and shaped by shared goals”. “These relationships transcend time and continue from generation to generation,” he said.
He said that the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year.
The prime minister said he had “heart-to-heart and very fruitful discussions” with President Erdogan.
He said the two countries are working at a high level which is “critical” in the pursuit and construction of their shared goals.
Shahbaz said he looked forward to holding the Seventh High Level Strategic Cooperation Council, a primary forum at the leadership level, in Islamabad this September.
Prime Minister Shahbaz said that the visit of Turkish business delegation to Pakistan would further boost trade and investment cooperation and resolved to make the visit very concrete and result-oriented.
He said Turkey has made “exponential progress” in hydropower generation and renewable energy and that Pakistan is “eager” for its support and cooperation in terms of profitable investments by Turkish companies providing low-cost energy.
Referring to the launch of MILGEM-class ship PNS Badr in Karachi on May 20, jointly built by Pakistan and Turkey, the Prime Minister said it was “a shining example of excellent cooperation” between the two countries in the defense sector.
He said that Pakistan and Turkey will explore more joint ventures in the defense sector.
PM Shahbaz said the two countries were “natural partners” as the two countries stood by each other in times of need and on core interests.
Shahbaz said the people of Pakistan “deeply appreciate” the Turkish leadership’s firm support on the Kashmir issue.
Appreciating Turkey’s unwavering support, he said Kashmiris are fighting for their legitimate rights and have been victims of Indian atrocities for more than seven decades. The Prime Minister also referred to the efforts of the Government of India on demographic change in Occupied Kashmir.
He reiterated that Pakistan “won’t give up on its quest for peace” but was convinced that peace in South Asia was possible if the long-standing Kashmir issue was resolved under UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. it was done. , fixed.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to Turkey on Northern Cyprus and resolved that Pakistan stands with Turkey in its fight against terrorism. “The enemies of Turkey are the enemies of Pakistan.
PM Shahbaz said that both the countries have worked for decades towards their shared goals of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
The prime minister said he was “overwhelmed by the love and affection” he received from the government and every Turkish citizen. “Every Pakistani has also given the same reflection of love,” he said.
Referring to the close ties between the peoples of the two countries, Shahbaz said Turkey was like his “second home” as the cordial feelings and strong ties between the people were deeply embedded in their common culture, history and religion.
Meanwhile, President Erdogan said he discussed regional and international issues at length during their meeting.
“We have also confirmed the expansion of the scope of bilateral relations,” he said. President Erdogan resolved that the close friendship and cooperation between the two countries would be further strengthened.
The two leaders signed various agreements and MoUs to enhance cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Commerce and Investment Minister Syed Naveed Qamar and Turkish Trade and Transport Ministers signed the documents on behalf of their respective governments.
MoUs signed:
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkish Presidency of Strategy and Budget and the Public-Private Partnership Authority of Pakistan
- Framework for the Knowledge Sharing Program between the Government of Turkey and the Government of Pakistan
- Memorandum of Understanding on Highway Engineering between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey and the Ministry of Communications of Pakistan
- Joint Ministerial Statement on the Development of Bilateral Trade and Economic Relations between Turkey and Pakistan
- Protocol of Technical Cooperation between the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of Turkey and the Ministry of Finance of Pakistan
- Protocol on cooperation on debt management between the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of Turkey and the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Pakistan
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority on cooperation in the field of housing
Erdogan earlier received PM Shahbaz at the Presidential Complex. The national anthems of both the countries were played and the Prime Minister along with the President inspected the guard of honour.
Earlier, PM Shahbaz had visited the mausoleum of Turkey’s first President and founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and laid a wreath there.
The Prime Minister is currently on a three-day official visit to Turkey.
He is accompanied by a high level delegation which includes FM Bilawal, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Investment Board Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Special Assistants to the Prime Ministers Tariq Fatemi and Fahad Hussain.
Pakistan wants to strengthen trade ties: Shahbaz
Earlier in the day, PM Shahbaz said that Pakistan “really and seriously” wanted to boost bilateral, trade and cultural ties with Turkey as he made a case for the Turkish business community to invest in Pakistan.
PM Shahbaz said, “Suffice it to say, we are here to send the message to our Turkish brothers and sisters, President Tayyip Erdogan and his team and the Turkish business community that we really and seriously look forward to working with you.” want.” Turkey-Pakistan Business Council.
He said it was important to transform the fraternal ties between the two countries by promoting trade, investment and cultural ties. He further said that even though countries do not speak the same language, nations come from the same culture and have a shared history.
“We have been partners and supported each other through thick and thin,” he said, adding that he had met with “hundreds of businessmen” between 2008 and 2018.
“Your active participation in investing in Pakistan is highly appreciated. And above all your participation in humanitarian projects in Pakistan is well known.
He continued: “Today, we are here to engage with you seriously because you are a very serious minded businessman, and your achievements are outstanding and a shining example to all of us.”
He called upon the two countries to cooperate and cooperate in various fields including automobile industry, agriculture, textiles and alternative energy.
He said, “I am here today along with my great team to give you in no uncertain terms, absolutely loud and clear message that we will welcome you with both arms to invest in Pakistan, to promote trade “
The premier said that Pakistan’s population is predominantly very young, pointing out that “opportunities are largely overlooked”.
“I have requested the Trade Minister, before concluding this meeting, we should sign a letter of intent that through our tireless efforts we will achieve bilateral trade of $5 billion in the coming two years. [It is] Difficult but not impossible,” he declared.
Prime Minister, Turkish Foreign Minister discuss bilateral relations
Earlier today, a high-level Turkish delegation led by Foreign Minister Mevlut Kavusoglu called on Prime Minister Shahbaz. FM Bilawal and other members of the Pakistani delegation were also present for the meeting.
The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkey, radio pakistan informed of.
The meeting also discussed promoting cooperation in various fields, especially in trade, investment, education, communication and culture.
Prime Minister Shahbaz said that the historical and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey are gaining a new dimension, making progress for both the countries. He said that Pakistan and Turkey have similar views on international issues and the people of both the countries stand by each other in difficult times.
He said that Pakistan and Turkey have a strong relationship of mutual trust and respect, which has turned into strong economic ties. The premier said Turkey has made rapid progress under President Erdogan, describing it as a role model for other countries.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Minister said that the two countries have deep ties and expressed his government’s desire to strengthen ties in several areas.