ISLAMABAD, Aug 31: The new Turkish President Abdullah Gul told Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri on Friday that he attached highest priority to relations with Pakistan and said he would work towards bringing the “unique” relationship even closer.

He expressed these sentiments when Mr Kasuri telephoned him to congratulate him on his election as the new President of Turkey, according to a statement issued by the foreign minister’s office.“The foreign minister extended, on behalf of the government and on his own behalf, heartiest felicitations to President Abdullah Gul on his victory in the Turkish presidential election,” the statement said.

They reiterated their resolve to pursue a shared vision of peace and development for the people of both the countries, the statement said.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf also telephoned his new Turkish counterpart on Wednesday and congratulated him on his victory in the presidential elections.