Pakistan, Turkey urge int’l community to combat Islamophobia, stereotyping against Muslims

ISLAMABAD, Nov 17 (APP): Furthering their resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple fields including anti-terrorism, Pakistan and Turkey Thursday urged the international community to combat Islamophobia, religious discrimination and stereotyping against Muslims.
According to a joint declaration issued on the two-day visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan, the two countries reiterated the need for making the United Nations Security Council more representative, democratic, transparent, and accountable through comprehensive United Nations Security Council reform process, based on widest possible consensus.
Accompanied by a high level delegation, Erdogan paid the visit to Pakistan on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain.
During the interaction at top leadership level, the two countries called for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions to resolve the long-standing disputes on the agenda of the Security Council, especially those pertaining to the Muslim Ummah.
The two sides committed to commencing joint initiatives in the context at the international fora, in particular at the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) agreeing that the assumption of Chair of OIC summit by Turkey presented a valuable opportunity in that regard.
During meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the two leaders exchanged views on the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relationship as well as issues of regional and international importance.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved towards transforming warm and cordial bilateral relationship into a strong strategic partnership, and reiterated their mutual resolve to explore new avenues for collaboration, to utilize untapped potential for the mutual benefit and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries.
They reiterated strong condemnation of the heinous coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, 2016 and paid tributes to the brave and resilient Turkish people who stood resolutely in defense of democracy against the forces of darkness.
Pakistan and Turkey expressed firm resolve to continue their strong mutual support to each other on issues of core national interest, and in defense of the peace and prosperity of the two nations. Pakistan and Turkey expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved towards implementation of ongoing projects under the framework of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
The two leaders reaffirmed the resolve to explore new avenues for collaboration in the forthcoming 5th Session of the HLSCC, to be held shortly in Turkey.
Both sides agreed to further enhance collaboration in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, food processing and housing as priority sectors.
They appreciated the significant progress achieved so far towards concluding the comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and decided to complete the negotiations process by the end of 2016.
The two sides committed to further enhancing bilateral cultural collaboration and people-to-people contacts through tourism; cultural and educational exchanges, besides collaboration with regard to preservation and restoration of archeological and historical sites.
They resolved for promotion of Turkish and Urdu languages and literatures in the two countries, including through the cultural centers being established.
Pakistan and Turkey agreed to develop a comprehensive, long-term and forward-looking framework for defense cooperation between the two countries besides broadening the frequency and scope of bilateral consultations on foreign ministers as well as foreign secretaries levels and to expand these consultations to matters pertaining to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well.
The leadership of the two countries underscored the need for resolution of all outstanding differences between Pakistan and India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir through a sustained dialogue process and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
They expressed their deep concern about the increased tension and losses of innocent lives and casualties occurring recently in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Two sides applauded the resilience and perseverance of the peoples of the two countries as well as the sacrifices and bravery of the military and law enforcement personnel of both countries in the fight against the common threat posed by terrorism.
Pakistan and Turkey noted with concern the trend towards exceptionalism and sidelining of non-proliferation objectives for commercial or political interests, which was detrimental to the credibility of the global non-proliferation regime and, in particular, to the strategic stability in South Asia.
They urged the international community to play its due role in mobilizing support and assistance for the refugee hosting countries, including those facing protracted refugee situations.