Pakistan committed to strong partnership with Turkey: PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif yesterday said Pakistan valued its relations with Turkey and was committed to the shared vision of a strong economic partnership.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated this in his one-on-one meeting with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildrim held at the Turkish Prime Minister’s Office.
Nawaz Sharif mentioned that the current trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey was less than $600mn, which was below its true potential.
However, he said efforts should be made to achieve the target of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest possible.
Sharif said a comprehensive FTA would provide huge opportunities for different sectors of the two economies and maximise their trade potential in goods, services and investments.
He said coming to Turkey was like visiting his second home. “Our common bonds of faith, culture and history continue to deepen and nurture this relationship,” he said.
Nawaz Sharif emphasised the frequent exchanges at the highest political level, terming these as hallmarks of their multi-faceted ties.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a family dinner in honour of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan and Begum Kalsoom Nawaz also joined their spouses at the dinner, held at the residence of the Turkish president.
The Prime Minister who arrived in Turkey Wednesday afternoon will participate in the fifth meeting of High Level Strategic Co-operation Council (HLSCC).
The prime minister is accompanied by Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir, and PM’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi.
“The Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey and the convening of the 5th Session of HLSCC would further deepen the time-tested, unparalleled and historic ties between the two brotherly countries and would impart a strong impetus to their flourishing co-operation in diverse fields,” a Foreign Office statement said.
PM Nawaz Sharif along with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will co-chair the HLSCC meeting.
A Joint Declaration will be issued at the conclusion of the meeting and a number of MoUs are expected to be signed.
The Pakistan premier will hold talks with President Erdogan on bilateral, regional and international issues.
PM Sharif will also visit the Turkish parliament to reaffirm Pakistan’s unequivocal support and solidarity with the government and people of Turkey against the failed coup attempt in Turkey.