Islamabad June 03, 2016: President of Pakistan Mr. Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan and Turkey are bound together in fraternal bonds which are rooted in shared history, religion and culture. The President said this while talking to Minister of National Defence of Turkey Mr. Fikri Işık, who along with a delegation called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Friday.
The President praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s democratic measures and congratulated on formation of new government under the leadership of Binali Yildirim. The President also congratulated Fikri Işık on being appointed as Minister of National Defence.
President Mamnoon said that Pakistan is committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan and appreciated Turkey’s participation in the process for peace in Afghanistan. The President commended signing of agreement between Pakistan, Turkey and Qatar for training of personnel and transfer of technology.
The President thanked Turkey for gifting Pakistan Trainer-37 aircrafts and hoped that the two brotherly countries would increase cooperation in the defence field and benefit from each other’s expertise.
The President invited Turkish delegation to participate in IDEAS-2016 to be held in November this year in Pakistan. The President appreciated Turkish assistance during natural disasters and calamities adding that this reflects commitment from both sides to extend support to each other during testing times.
The President extended his sympathies over tragic loss of lives in recent suicide attacks in Turkey and underlined that both countries are united to uproot the menace of terrorism and extremism.
Turkish Minister of National Defence Fikri Işık termed Pakistan-Turkish relations “as being special” and said that he is extremely happy that his first foreign visit after assuming office is to Pakistan. Mr. Işık said that cooperation between the two countries in trade and defence sectors is below actual potential and called for steps to increase bilateral collaboration in these fields. He stated that the people of Turkey hold Pakistan in highest esteem and affection. The Turkish Defence Minister reiterated his country’s resolve to continue efforts for achieving peace in Afghanistan and hoped that the Quadrilateral Coordination Group’s efforts in this regard will bear fruit.
President Mamnoon wished the visiting delegation a productive and comfortable stay in Pakistan. The President also conveyed best wishes on his behalf and on behalf of the people of Pakistan for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and the people of Turkey.