Pakistan, Turkey to work together against Islamophobia: PM Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grateful towards Turkey for always standing alongside with Pakistan in difficult times and announced that Islamabad and Istanbul will work together against Islamophobia, ARY News reported on Friday.

PM Imran Khan, while addressing a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said it is the new beginning of an era of historical ties between Pakistan and Turkey after signing of the series of agreements today.

“The agreements we have signed today will benefit both countries. The nation has loved the speech of the Turkish president to the [joint session of] Parliament and I am sure, if he will contest elections here than he will definitely get a clean-sweep victory.”

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“We are thankful to Turkish President to raise voice for Kashmiris who are jailed [in their own territory] for the last six months and their political leaders are also facing detention. India has crossed the limit of atrocities and barbarism against Kashmiris. Kashmir is a disputed region and it is needed to find out a solution in accordance with the UN resolutions.”

The premier also praised Erdogan for firmly standing with Pakistan in the war against terrorism. He vowed that the present government will further enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in diverse fields with Turkey. PM Khan said Pakistan is also seeking cooperation from the Turkish film industry to fight Islamophobia.

‘Strategic economic framework’

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once again thanked the Pakistani government and nation for giving him a warm welcome during his visit. He said, “Pakistan is a brotherly country and we will stand with them in every difficult time.

Read: Turkish President Erdogan adopted clear stance on IoK: FM Qureshi

“We consider Pakistan as our next home and we will fully deliver support to the country. I am very happy to revisit Pakistan after three years. I am thanking my brother, Imran Khan and other officials.”

Erdogan said Turkey has signed 30 agreements with Pakistan during his visit besides holding crucial strategic dialogues, whereas, both countries will increase its bilateral trade volume up to $5 billion by 2023 which had been decided in Ankara meeting.

“After holding a meeting Turkey-Pakistan Joint Working Group, it is decided to further enhance strategic cooperation between both countries. Turkey is standing with Pakistan and it will always support it.”

The president has also welcomed PM Imran Khan for taking effective steps against outlawed organisations.

Read: Pak-Turkey bilateral trade volume to be increased to $5bn, says Erdogan

He further said that his country is ready to assist Pakistan in diverse fields including transport, energy, tourism, education, social development, culture, communication and others.

“A strategic economic framework has also been prepared,” said Erdogan.

“Turkey and Pakistan have adopted the same stances on global issues and we support the Afghanistan peace process.”

“The engagement of both countries for cooperation in defence and military sectors are exemplary. We have also offered our role in establishing friendly ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

While expressed grave concerns over the current situation in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Erdogan urged for holding comprehensive dialogues between Islamabad and New Delhi government to find out a solution of the disputed region of Kashmir in accordance with the UN resolutions.