ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has expressed hope that soon Pakistan and Turkey will finalize Free Trade Agreement to further enhance trade and economic activities.
In his address at a joint news conference with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Turkish premier urged to establish better transportation links between the two countries.
The Turkish prime minister also announced $20 million additional assistance for return and rehabilitation of temporary displaced persons to the federally administrated tribal areas (FATA) and the flood affected people.
Davutoglu lauded Pakistan’s efforts to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan as peace and stability in Afghanistan is peace and stability in Turkey and Pakistan.
On the occasion, Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan and turkey are important players in their respective regions. He said that Pakistan acknowledges Turkish progress and development.
Pakistan, Turkey working to promote peace in region: Nawaz
Separately, addressing the fourth meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad along with the Turkish prime minister, Sharif said that Pakistan and Turkey are indispensable partners working assiduously to promote peace and prosperity for their people and the region.
Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan-Turkey relationship is unparalleled in inter-state relations. He said that the special ties have flourished due to successive generations of leaders in the two countries.
The prime minister expressed gratitude over the strong and spontaneous support extended by the Turkish leadership and people following the Peshawar school attack.
In his address, Davutoglu said that Turkey-Pakistan relationship is exemplary. He said that there are no countries who feel they have common destiny like Pakistan and Turkey.
The meeting also discussed ways and means to enhance cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields including economy, trade, energy, communications, education, culture and tourism.
Pakistan, Turkey sign 11 agreements, MoUs
Earlier, both the leaders held a one-on-one meeting which was followed by delegation-level talks.
Pakistan and Turkey also signed 11 addition agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen their relations in different areas. These included one agreement, five protocols, three MoUs, one additional protocol and a joint declaration to strengthen their strategic relationship.
COAS, Turkish premier discuss regional security situation
The Turkish prime minister also called on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif in Islamabad on Tuesday, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a statement, the ISPR said that matters related to regional and bilateral security, defence cooperation and collaboration between two brotherly countries were discussed during the meeting.
Prime Minister Davutoglu specially appreciated the successes achieved by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
COAS met Turkish PM at Isd today. “We stand by our brothers.Pakistan’s security is Turkish security,Pak flag is Turkish flag”Turkish PM said
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) February 17, 2015
Earlier in the morning, the Turkish prime minister accompanied by a high-level delegation including several cabinet ministers and senior government officials reached Islamabad on a two-day visit.
It is the first visit of Ahmet Davutoglu to Pakistan since assuming the present office in August last year.
