ISLAMABAD, Dec 9 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said that Pakistan, being committed to peace and stability in the region, desired complete peace in Afghanistan and was ready to cooperate with the Afghan government for this purpose.
He further stated that Pakistan also wanted peaceful relations with India.The President was talking to Foreign Minister of Turkey,Mevlut Cavusoglu, who called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.The President hoped that Turkish Foreign Minister had fruitful discussions at the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference.
He said that Pakistan would continue to work with Turkey for transforming strong political relations into a robust economic partnership between the two brotherly countries.
The President stated that relations between Pakistan and Turkey at both the governmental and people level, were ideal and an example for the world.
He noted that High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) was providing strategic focus and direction to further expand bilateral relations and stressed for implementation of
the HLSCC’s decisions.
The President hoped that early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment commensurate with vast potential of the two countries.
He called for further strengthening communication links adding that early operationalization of the ECO Container Train was of crucial importance in this regard.The President said that Pakistan has recently acceded to TIR Convention, which would facilitate trade with Turkey and other regional countries.
He hoped that Turkey would facilitate and make it easier for Pakistani travelers to obtain Turkish visa for visit to Turkey.The President stated that the government and people of
Pakistan stand in strong solidarity with Turkey, as it has suffered grievously from terrorist attacks in the past several months.
Expressing condolences over the loss of precious lives in the suicide bombing at Ankara on October 10 and attacks targeting security personnel, the President hoped that the Turkish people will decisively defeat the menace of terrorism with their characteristic resolve as a brave nation.
He expressed gratitude over Turkey’s unwavering support to Pakistan at various international fora on important issues particularly the Kashmir issue.
Talking about the situation in Syria, the President appreciated Turkish government’s acceptance of over 2 million Syrian refugees He congratulated the Turkish leadership for the remarkable victory in recent elections.
The President extended an invitation to Turkish President to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.The President also congratulated Mevlut Cavusoglu on hisre-appointment as Foreign Minister.
Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Pakistan was his second home and he was very happy to be here. He appreciated Pakistan’s role for regional peace and stability.He further stated that Turkey would continue to support Pakistan on all issues and there was a complete understanding
and unanimity of views between the leadership of the two brotherly countries.
