Turkish FM meets PM Khan, Gen Bajwa

ISLAMABAD: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusolgu called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa separately on Friday wherein he congratulated the prime minister on his win in elections and discussed regional security issues with the army chief.

The Turkish FM is on an official visit to Pakistan to convey to the new government the greetings of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the people of the Republic of Turkey.

The Turkish FM congratulated PM Khan on his historic victory in the recent elections in Pakistan. PM Khan stated that Pakistan and Turkey are bonded by common faith, mutual interest, and a shared future for the people of the two countries. He said that both countries have always stood beside each other and would continue to do so. Pakistan and Turkey have the required potential to forge an even stronger partnership in future, he added.

Foreign Minister Cavusoglu reiterated Turkey’s full support to Pakistan government’s future plans to take the country on a rapid course of economic progress, developments and creating greater opportunities for the people of Pakistan, especially its vibrant youth. Ideas covering promotion of bilateral trade and Turkish investment in various sectors including energy sector of Pakistan were also discussed. Both sides reiterated their commitment to continue working closely in various multilateral and international forums including UN and OIC.

Separately, the Turkish FM discussed relations between the two countries, regional security, including the situation in the Middle East, with COAS Bajwa. Discussions were also held on the management of defence and security cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey.

The Turkish FM acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s contributions for conflict prevention in the region and also pledged to keep working for better relations between the two brotherly countries.

Earlier, Mevlut Cavusoglu met his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Qureshi. In a joint press conference following the meeting, Qureshi said that Turkey and Pakistan wanted the best solution for Kashmir. He also stressed that Pakistan’s relations with Turkey were not restricted to a government level.