ANKARA, July 14: Turkish President H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gul has stressed upon the need of initiating joint defence production projects between Pakistan and Turkey. He expressed these views in a meeting with a Pakistani defence delegation led by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar who called on him on Tuesday evening.
Mr. Gul said the existing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkey provides an opportunity for joint ventures among the defence production organs of the defence forces of Pakistan and Turkey. He showed keen interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder aircraft, which he was told is a multi-role combat aircraft equipped with state of the art modern technology and is manufactured according to present day defence requirements.
Referring to the unprecedented economic growth that Turkey has been achieving over the last couple of years, Turkish President said “we want the same type of economic development in Pakistan also and are prepared to help our brotherly country in every possible manner.” “I am personally motivating Turkish investors to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector,” said Mr. Gul. Pakistan’s coal reserves are third largest in the world and production of electricity from coal would be a viable project for overseas investors, he maintained. The President also desired to expedite work on the US$20 billion railway project that will connect Pakistan with European market through Istanbul.
Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar thanked the Turkish President for personally monitoring Turkish investors’ projects in Pakistan. He appreciated the level of hospitality extended to his delegation and hoped that the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey shall be further enhanced in every field.
Turkish Minister for National Defence Mr. Vecdi Gonul and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Mr. Tariq Azizuddin were also present in the meeting.
ENDS