Cementing ties: Turkish premier’s visit to boost trade

The two sides are expected to sign agreements to enhance cooperation.

ISLAMABAD: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to arrive in Lahore Monday (today) on a two-day visit aimed at bolstering trade and economic ties between the two countries.

Erdogan, who enjoys a close relationship with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, is leading a high-powered delegation comprising of ministers, businessmen and entrepreneurs, said a foreign ministry official.

During Erdogan’s visit, the two countries are expected to sign a number of agreements to further enhance their bilateral cooperation in various fields, the official added.



Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said the visit of Turkish premier’s visit would help boost trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Aslam said Erdogan would hold talks with President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He would also attend Pakistan-Turkey Business Forum 2013 in Lahore, she added.

Commenting on the visit, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry‚ Zubair Ahmed Malik said the visit will strengthen economic cooperation and further cement bilateral relations between the two countries.

Turkey, which is also part of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), is reportedly concerned about the continued blockade of vital supply routes by PTI activists.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2013.