News
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Pakistan, Turkey pledge to promote peace in region* Nawaz, Erdogan agree to intensify cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure development, security, education, culture, science and technology
ANKARA: Pakistan and Turkey Tuesday agreed to intensify cooperation in diverse fields, including trade, energy, infrastructure development, security, education, culture and science and technology as well as enhance efforts for peace in the region.
While addressing a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan after co-chairing the 3rd High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif termed the meeting “very productive” and said that “there was unanimity of views” between the two sides on various issues of bilateral and regional interest.
The prime minister said Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed very special relations, bonded with fraternal ties and rooted in history, culture and religion. Nawaz Sharif said his visit to Turkey after assuming the office of prime minister on the invitation of Prime Minister Erdogan speaks volume about the importance which Pakistan gives to Turkey as well as its strategic role in the region. He said the two countries had signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) today.
Prime Minister Nawaz said the two sides had agreed to enhance the number of flights between the two countries, and expressed his confidence that they would be able to carry forward the momentum generated by the HLCC meeting. On the strategic front, he expressed the hope that Pakistan and Turkey would redouble their efforts for ensuring peace and stability in the region. The premier said he was looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Erdogan for the 4th HLCC meeting to be held in Pakistan.
Nawaz said he had assured Prime Minister Erdogan that he would not find Pakistan lagging behind in the implementation of “what we have agreed today”. He also referred to his talks with Prime Minister Erdogan as well as his meeting with President Abdullah Gul, who conferred on him Turkey’s prestigious “Jamhurriat Nishan”. While responding to a question by a newsman, Prime Minister Nawaz said that he would ensure implementation of a number of MoUs and agreements signed between Pakistan and Turkey.
He said that a special unit to look after progress of the agreements would be set up in the Prime Minister’s Office and he would personally monitor it. Nawaz said the Turkish prime minister was also very much interested in implementation of the agreements as he was a tough taskmaster. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk