Staff Reporter
Islamabad
Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to pursue a joint strategy at the international level on matters of mutual interests, in order to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The understanding came at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday.
The two foreign ministers expressed concerns over the rising trend of Islamophobia and stressed for joint efforts to protect the Islamic values. Both the foreign ministers also emphasised the need for implementation of the 71-point Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Economic Framework at the earliest.
Qureshi apprised his Turkish counterpart of the prevailing situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the threats facing the region. He thanked Turkey for its unwavering support to Pakistan on Kashmir dispute.
Qureshi also presented a briefing on Pakistan’s conciliatory efforts for peace in Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan has launched an e-visa facility for the Turkish businessmen in order to bolster trade relations between the two countries.
In his remarks, the Turkish foreign minister said that Turkish people consider Pakistan as their second home. He hinted at continuing joint efforts for promotion of bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
Expressing satisfaction over the nature of bilateral relations between Islamabad and Ankara, the two diplomats agreed to ensure early implementation of the decisions taken at an earlier meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council held in Islamabad. The Turkish foreign minister thanked Qureshi for Pakistan’s support and assistance on various issues related to Turkish issues.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkey have signed a memorandum of understanding for promotion of cooperation in the education sector. The MoU was signed by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood in Islamabad on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu Wednesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan here and discussed bilateral, regional and international matters.
