Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim agreed to bolster bilateral relations in diverse areas with particular focus on trade and economy.
The two leaders, who met here on the sidelines of the 9th D-8 Summit discussed bilateral relations, regional situation as well as other matters of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Abbasi while addressing a joint press stakeout with his Turkish counterpart after the bilateral meeting congratulated Turkey for successfully hosting the 9th D-8 Summit and assuming the chair.
He said Pakistan and Turkey were close friends and partners and always stood by each other difficult hour.
Prime Minister Abbasi said Pakistan considered Turkey’s friends and enemies as its own and would never allow its soil to be used against the brotherly country.
He appreciated Turkey for supporting the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who were fighting for their right to self-determination promised under the UN resolution.
He was also appreciative of Turkey for raising voice for Rohingya Muslims and Palestinians. Both of them were the victims of terrorism, he added. The Prime Minister lauded Turkey for its contribution in the socio-economic development of Pakistan. He extended invitation to the Turkish Prime Minister to visit Pakistan and said he looked forward to the visit. Earlier the two leaders in their bilateral meeting had a frank and candid discussion on ways and means to further strengthen the multi-faceted relations between the two brotherly nations.
Prime Minister Abbasi said Pakistan was confident that both as OIC Chair and as an influential power, Turkey would continue to maintain its just and principled position by continuing to call for sending a fact-finding mission to Indian Occupied Kashmir to investigate the gross violations of human rights.
He also appreciated Turkey’s strong support for Pakistan’s NSG membership and hoped that this forthright support would continue. On its part, the Prime Minister said, Pakistan will continue to provide all possible support to Turkey on its issues of national interest, including Cyprus.Turkey is playing active role in highlighting and resolving the matters related to Muslim world. Pakistan and Turkey are enjoying very close relations and both have harmony of different issue at international level. Both countries may support and facilitate each other in diverse fields in including trade and economy and steps should be taken to further cement these relations. We hope recent visit of PM Abbasi to Turkey will further boost mutual relationship.
