ISTANBUL, 11 August 2012: President of Pakistan’s Special Envoy and Miniter of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan here today called on the Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gul and delivered a special message from President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari. Conveying the greetings of President Zardari to H.E. Abdullah Gül, Malik Amad appreciated Turkey’s positive role for bringing peace and stability in the Middle East. He added that Pakistan and Turkey are pillars of strength in the broader region. Malik Amad stated that Pakistan and Turkey share similar objectives for peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict. A prolonged civil unrestt in Syria would not only be painful for the Syrian people but would also adversely affect the neighbouring countries in region and beyond.
Turkish President informed that he will attend the forthcoming Summit meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation being held in Makkah, Kindgom of Saudi Arabi next week where Syrian issue will be also deliberated. Mr. Gul stated that he looked forward to meeting brother Zardari on the sidelines of the Summit. He said both Turkey and Pakistan have unanimity of views on major issues.
Showing satisfaction over the level of growing economic ties, President Gul said Turkish leadership is encouraging businessmen to further expand their investment ventures in Pakistan, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Mr. Gul agreed with Malik Amad that both the countries need to place greater emphasis on bilateral economic cooperation. They hoped for early implementation of agreements signed during Turkish Prime Minister’s recent visit to Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shauakt, Consul General Istanbul Dr. Yusuf Junaid and other senior officials of Pakistan Embassy also attended the meeting.