–PM Khan, Gen (r) Akar discuss bilateral ties
–Turkish dignitary lauds Pak’s sacrifices in meeting with COAS
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that there is a lot of potential for improvement of defence and trade relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
He was talking to Turkish Defence Minister General (r) Hulusi Akar, who called on him along with a delegation on Thursday.
The president said that Pakistan is an investment-ready country now and investors from all over the world, particularly from Turkey, must take advantage of this opportunity.
He said that Turkish companies have invested immensely in energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan which not only has strengthened the ties between the two countries but also played an important role in the development and progress of both countries.
He said that Pakistan and Turkey are bound in deep historical relations, which are not only brotherly but mutually beneficial as well.
The president and the Turkish defence minister hoped that as a result of president’s recent visit to Turkey, the mutual relations will be further deepened and broadened with the help of further high-level contact in the near future.
The president also stressed the need for early finalisation of the Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Turkey.
PM KHAN, TURKISH DEFENCE MINISTER DISCUSS BILATERAL TIES:
General (r) Hulusi Akar called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Prime Minister’s Office where Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak was also present.
Welcoming the visiting dignitary to Pakistan, the prime minister said that Pakistan greatly values its ties with Turkey and the people of Pakistan have great respect for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“We admire the socio-economic progress made by Turkey under the visionary leadership of President Erdogan,” the prime minister said.
Expressing satisfaction over the upward trajectory of Pak-Turk relations, the prime minister said that Pakistan was keen to further strengthen its cooperation with Turkey in all areas of mutual interest including trade and defence cooperation.
General (r) Hulusi Akar felicitated the prime minister on his election and conveyed greetings from President Erdogan.
He said that the Turkish leadership looks forward to the visit of prime minister to Turkey which would help further strengthening of the existing ties between the two countries.
General (r) Hulusi Akar expressed Turkey’s deep appreciation of Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices made in the war against terrorism. The regional situation was also discussed during the meeting.
TURKISH DIGNITARY VISITS GHQ:
General (r) Hulusi Akar also called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters pertaining to mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between both the countries and overall regional security situation came under discussion during the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, the visiting dignitary expressed Turkey’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
Earlier on arrival at the GHQ, the Turkish defence minister laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada.
A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.