File photo of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan with Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: AFP/FILE.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after holding a round of formal talks at the PM House, termed it a 'comprehensive review' of bilateral relations.
"We have just concluded a comprehensive review of our bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. Our discussions were marked by unanimity of views on all issues," Nawaz stated.
With the shared vision to strengthen economic ties, the two countries have also decided to conclude a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), in the first three months of 2014. Nawaz said that economic frameworks like the PTA, would significantly contribute towards trade facilitation.
The Turkish Prime Minister is here on a two-day visit, along with a large business delegation to expand multifaceted ties with Pakistan. Prime Minister Erdogan said Turkey wanted expanded bilateral ties with Pakistan in all fields including political, military, economic, trade and culture.
Erdogan also appreciated that his Pakistani counterpart made Turkey the second stop soon after he assumed his office. He expressed hope that the PTA between the two countries will go a long way in further expanding their economic ties.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the two sides have also signed number of MoUs including the operationalisation of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul ECO Container train.
Nawaz stated that regular operations of the train would not only strengthen connectivity but it also had the potential to harness greater economic integration between the region and beyond. "I am confident that our interactions would further intensify cooperative partnership between the two countries," he expressed.
Prime Minister Erdogan also announced opening of a Turkish Cultural Centre in Lahore. He said both sides have the political will to strengthen their cooperation. Nawaz said Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed a special relationship bound by fraternal ties of religion, history and culture.
Prime Minister Erdogan's visit to Pakistan has reinforced these ties. Commenting on this, Nawaz said "As two functioning democracies, our perspectives are marked by a common outlook and shared objectives."
The two leaders said they discussed regional situation and international issues of mutual interest.
"As two pillars of strength, Pakistan and Turkey stand united in our joint endeavour to promote peace and stability in the region," Nawaz said.
"I am confident that the representative business forum that I, and Prime Minister Erdogan addressed in Lahore yesterday, would build on the synergies and strengths of our respective business communities," he added.
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@hassan: to Imran " seems you donthave a clue abt what you are are saying." Do you? Turkey is strictly a secular country under its constitution. Even so, it is not being allowed into the European Union. Erdogan government is about to fall. Why does Pakistan always gravitate towards a setting Sun.
Imran: Understand Things before commenting. seems you donthave a clue abt what you are are saying.
@unbelievable: Pakistan has much to learn from Turkey which has managed to maintain it’s Muslim identity
Please educate yourself. Turkey is strictly a secular country. On the other hand, the main problem with Pakistan is its "Islamic Identity".
Did he also hold a meeting with the Prime Minister Ch. Nisar?
Turkey is looking for international markets for dumping its goods. For a few takkas as commission, Sharifs are gladly obliging, at the cost of local businesses.
Good Work. I hope we make similar deals with other countries as well
Openness to other cultures is the only way forward.
What this has to do with Pakistan, it was a Punjab show, I haven't seen any leader from other three provinces meeting with the guest.
Salute to our leaders doing hectic efforts for putting country on right direction
Pakistan has much to learn from Turkey which has managed to maintain it's Muslim identity while maintaining good relationships with the West including being a long standing member of NATO.
Looking towards the west for trade and bilateral relations in all fields is the most prudent way to proceed. Turkey and Iran has been friends for a decades and Pakistan depended on their friendship and goodwill in the past and even now they are extending all kind of help to Pakistan, Iran's gas pipe line will make Pakistan meet it's needs in energy sector instead of importing electricity from eastern neighbor which is not reliable, look at the water situation. We can also emulate Turkey in their economic progress and accept their cooperation whole heartily.We welcome and are honored to have Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visiting Pakistan.
Train to istanbul, great going NS
Good to see the bilateral relations of Pakistan and Turkey scaling new heights!