Chitral Times Report
ISLAMABAD: At the invitation of President of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Imran Khan, paid an official visit to Republic of Turkey on 3-4 January 2019. The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was accompanied by a high-level delegation on the occasion. President of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Imran Khan, held a tête-à-tête meeting followed by delegation level talks on 4 January 2019. Having exchanged views on the entire spectrum of Turkey – Pakistan bilateral “heart-to-heart” relationship as well as on issues of regional and international importance, the leaders of the two countries: Re-affirmed that the unparalleled fraternal relations between the peoples and the governments of the two countries date back centuries and are embedded in a common cultural and religious heritage, as well as a shared vision for the future, based on complete mutual understanding and trust; Noted with great satisfaction that the relationship between the two brotherly countries has over the years transformed into a strong strategic partnership in all areas of mutual interest, that has withstood the tests of time; Reiterated their determination to continue extending strong mutual support to one another on all issues of core national interest; Expressed their commitment to further enhance their bilateral relations in every field to the benefit of their peoples; Reiterated the importance of the Turkey-Pakistan High Level Strategic Cooperation Council mechanism that also includes several working groups in further strengthening bilateral relations; Noted with satisfaction their ever-expanding defense and defense industry cooperation; Expressed their resolve to further strengthening the existing economic, trade and commercial relations between the two countries; Agreed to initiate mechanisms for collaboration in health and agriculture sectors; Decided to further enhance people-to-people contacts through increased exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism and youth fields; Underlined their abiding commitment fighting the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; Reiterated their resolve to fight against the Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organization; Expressed satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums including at the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation; Economic Cooperation Organization; Developing 8 Countries; as well as other relevant forums; Reaffirmed their commitment for achieving and sustaining peace, security and stability in their respective regions as well as internationally; Underscored the need for resolution of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir through a sustained dialogue process and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions; Recognized the Turkish support for Pakistan’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) based on non-discriminatory criteria, and reaffirmed that Pakistan’s adherence to the NSG Guidelines and participation in the NSG would strengthen the global non-proliferation objectives; Acknowledged that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan could be achieved through reconciliation of all segments of the Afghan society with support of the regional countries and the international community; Reiterated their full and resolute support to the efforts for the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue on the basis of the political equality of the two communities on the Island, with a view to building peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean; Emphasized the centrality of the cause of Palestine, rejected any attempt to alter the legal status and historical character of Al Quds; called on the international community to increase their support to the Palestinian people in realizing their quest for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of the borders of 1967 with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital; Agreed to increase collaboration to uphold the true values of Islam at the international forums as well as to work closely against any attempts to malign, distort or vilify the historical image of Islam, its revered personalities, and its fundamental beliefs; Expressed their strong resolve to further increase the frequency of bilateral contacts at the highest level; Reiterated their determination to continue taking steps in all areas of mutual interest for mutual peace and prosperity, especially by transforming the historic Turkey-Pakistan relationship into an increasingly stronger trade, investment and economic relationship for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries; and Agreed to convene the 6th Session of the Turkey-Pakistan High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Pakistan at mutually convenient dates for further discussion on these areas.
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Pakistan Prime Minister meets leading Turkish businessmen and investors in Ankara
Meanwhile the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan met with the leading Turkish businessmen and investors in Ankara this morning, says a press release received here in Islamabad from Ankara, Turkey. About 20 leading Turkish investors and businessmen who have on-going projects in Pakistan participated in the first meeting. Turkey-Pakistan Business Council of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) organized the meeting. President of DEIK Mr. Nail Olpak and Chairman of Turkey-Pakistan Business Council Mr. Atilla Yerlikaya briefed the Prime Minister about Turkish investments in Pakistan. Turkish CEOs introduced their existing operations and updated about future plans. Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed on the need to transform the exemplary brotherly Pakistan-Turkey ties into a vibrant economic partnership. Showing satisfaction at the growing Turkish investments in Pakistan, Prime Minister assured all possible Government facilitation to the Turkish investors. He said Pakistan is endowed with a wealth of resources, demographic potential, and an educated workforce. He said Pakistan’s investment policy offers ideal opportunities to Turkish investors. He updated that concerted efforts are underway to further improve ‘ease of doing business’ in Pakistan. CEOs and senior officials of Limak Construction, Coca Cola Beverages, Havelsan, Hayat Kimya, Arçelik, Dolsar, Tgl Transtas Global Logistics, Zorlu Energy, Ora Construction, Bank Al Habib, and Tüm Ekip Pharma attended the meeting. DE?K/Turkey-Pakistan Business Council was established in 1986 to develop bilateral economic relations between the two countries. The Business Council focuses its activities on creating new business opportunities for Turkish and Pakistani companies. A delegation led by the Minister of Health of Turkey Dr. Fahrettin Koca (Koja) that included health sector entrepreneurs also called on the Prime Minister. Prospects of collaboration in the health sector including capacity building, experience sharing, technology transfer and investment were discussed. Prime Minister also met with a delegation of investors in agro-based industry led by Turkish Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Mr. Bekir Pakdemirli. Prospects of collaboration in food processing, dairy sector and food chain management were discussed. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Commerce, Textile, Industry & Production Abdul Razak Dawood, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfikar Bukhari, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and Pakistan Consul General in Istanbul Mr. Bilal Khan Pasha also attended the meetings.
