ISLAMABAD: Expressing satisfaction over growing Pak-Turkey relations, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said Pakistan was keen to strengthen its cooperation with Turkey in all areas of mutual interest, including trade and defence.
He expressed these views during a meeting with National Defence Minister of Turkey retired Gen Hulusi Akar at the PM Office. Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak was also present.
Welcoming the visiting dignitary to Pakistan, the prime minister said that Pakistan greatly valued its ties with Turkey and the people of Pakistan had great respect for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“We admire the socioeconomic progress made by Turkey under the visionary leadership of President Erdogan,” he added.
Gen Akar felicitated Mr Khan on becoming the prime minister of Pakistan and conveyed greetings from President Erdogan.
He said the Turkish leadership looked forward to Prime Minister Khan’s visit to Turkey which would help strengthen ties between the two countries.
Gen Akar expressed Turkey’s deep appreciation of Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices made in the war against terrorism.
The Turkish minister also held meetings with President Arif Alvi, Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.
President Alvi said there was huge potential for improvement in defence and trade relations between the two countries.
Talking to Gen Akar, he said Pakistan provided good atmosphere for investment and Turkish investors from all over the world, particularly from Turkey, must take advantage of this opportunity.
President Alvi and the Turkish minister expressed the hope that as a result of the former’s recent visit to Turkey, mutual relations would further deepen and broaden with the help of further high-level contacts in near future.
Gen Akar and Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal in their meeting discussed issues of mutual interests, especially avenues in defence cooperation.
Ms Jalal appreciated policies of President Erdogan for boosting relations between Pakistan and Turkey, a press release said.
In Rawalpindi, Gen Akar called on Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters.
During the meeting views were exchanged on issues of mutual interest including defence and security cooperation between the two countries and overall regional security situation, an Inter-Services Public Relations press release said.
The visiting dignitary expressed Turkey’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2018
