ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey have reaffirmed their commitment to further reinforce and fortify the special ties and growing cooperation between both nations.
This was expressed during a meeting between Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday.
President Erdoğan was accompanied by the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Ismail Kahraman who has invited Ayaz Sadiq to Turkey.
Ayaz Sadiq lauded the remarkable progress made by Turkey under leadership ofErdogan, terming it as a shining example to emulate for the Muslim world. He wished for enhanced political development and economic progress in the future for both countries.
He expressed strong solidarity against the coup attempt on July 15 last year, and deep admiration for the historic resistance by the Turkish people led by President Erdogan.
The Speaker also recalled his own interaction with the TGNA Speaker on the night the coup to convey Pakistan’s unequivocal support and solidarity. He highlighted the unanimous resolutions adopted by the Pakistan Parliament in support of democracy in Turkey.
Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the immense growth of relations between Pakistan and Turkey. He stressed the resolve of both sides to bring the bilateral economic relationship at par with their excellent political relations, for which the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would play a crucial role.
He thanked Turkey for its growing investments in Pakistan which were making important contribution towards prosperity and development of both countries.
President Erdogan noted the consistent growth in the multifaceted relationship, and stressed that steps should be taken to take the political, economic, trade, defence and cultural cooperation to newer levels.
He recalled his recent visit to Pakistan to attend the 13th Economic Coordination Organization (ECO) Summit in Islamabad, and hoped that the momentum generated would enable regional countries to increase their economic initiatives.
Ayaz Sadiq had earlier called on Prime Minister Binali Yildrim and exchanged views a wide range of issues pertaining to Pakistan-Turkey relations.
He had also held extensive consultations with his Turkish counterpart, and discussed ways to further intensify collaboration between the two Parliaments.
He had also visited the bombed part of the Turkish Parliament and paid tributes to the martyrs of the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey. He will visit Istanbul and have broad interaction with Turkish dignitaries and business representatives.
