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Pakistan, Turkey vow to fight terror; deplore ‘Islamophobia’
* Two countries agree to work towards a free trade agreement to enhance bilateral trade to $3 billion in two years and boosting it to $5-10 billion in next few years staff report/app
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey on Tuesday vowed to fight terror and deplored Islamophobia, which is on the rise in the West. Islamabad on Tuesday termed Ankara as its “indispensable” partner as both sides signed a number of agreements on economic, diplomatic, strategic and military cooperation following the arrival of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Pakistan. The Turkish PM, accompanied by a high-level delegation, landed here on a two-day visit on Tuesday to map out future course of Pak-Turkey cooperation in wide range of areas. In this connection, the 4th meeting of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held joint attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Turkish counterpart. Later, the visiting Turkish dignitary met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif and discussed with him the matters related to regional security and bilateral security and defence cooperation and collaboration. Turkish PM especially appreciated the successes achieved by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. Earlier, sharing his views at the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council, PM Sharif said that Pakistan and Turkey were two indispensible partners and brotherly countries that had survived the tests of time. The bilateral cooperation between the two countries in wide-ranging areas would only strengthen with the passage of time, he hoped. “The HLSCC provides strategic focus and direction to our bilateral relationship — covering key areas like political cooperation, trade, finance and banking, energy, transport and communications, education, and culture and tourism,” PM said. “Our security, defence and counter-terrorism cooperation remains robust. The MoUs and agreements signed today would further enhance bilateral cooperation in diverse fields – including economic and social sectors. We have no doubt that Pakistan-Turkey relations would continue to grow from strength to strength – serving as a powerful factor for stability in the region and beyond.” Pakistan and Turkey are pivotal states, playing a vitally important role in their respective regions and crafting effective responses to challenges and opportunities. PM Davutoglu said “Despite being geographically distant Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed an exemplary relationship. Turkey wants to make the brotherly relationship with Pakistan as result oriented as possible. Every Turkish prime minister considered it his duty to visit Pakistan on priority basis and that Turks consider Pakistan as their second home.” The Turkish PM also announced the provision of $20 million aid for Pakistan in its counterterrorism drive. He went on to say that both countries also discussed ways and means to enhance cooperation in fields including economy, trade, energy, transport, communications, education, culture and tourism.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk