ISLAMABAD (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday invited Turkish companies to further expand their investment portfolio in Pakistan, also urging them to consider relocating their industrial units to the country.
The prime minister, talking to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who called on him here, said that the current level of bilateral trade was not commensurate with the existing potential.
He emphasized to undertake concerted efforts for achieving the bilateral trade target of US$ 5 billion in the next three years as already agreed by the leadership of the two brotherly countries.
While underscoring the special bonds of brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye, the prime minister expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral relationship.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further expansion of bilateral cooperation, in all areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, technology and defence.
Regional and global developments, particularly the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza were also discussed in the meeting.
Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s staunch advocacy for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Pakistan and Turkiye on Monday, vowing to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation in multiple spheres, agreed to take the annual bilateral trade from existing $1 billion to $5 billion.
In a joint press stakeout following their “extensive” delegation-level talks, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the media that they had reviewed bilateral cooperation including trade, investment, connectivity and defense.
In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the bilateral cooperation in all areas, was improving and measures were being taken to take the trade volume to $5 billion.
Terming Pakistan and Turkiye “two countries and one nation,” Dar said the strategic and comprehensive bilateral relations were manifested by elaborate institutional mechanisms and high-level exchanges and visits at the level of political leadership.
He stressed the urgency and importance of the realization of the two-state solution as the key to attainment of durable peace in the Middle East.
The prime minister also reiterated his invitation to President Erdogan to undertake an early official visit to Pakistan for co-chairing with him the 7th meeting of High Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Both sides reaffirmed their strong and abiding support to each other on the core issues of national interest.
Pakistan and Turkiye on Monday expressed a strong commitment to further broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation in all areas of interest, including trade, investment and defence.
The bilateral relationship was discussed during the delegation-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan who is here on a two-day official visit.
The two leaders reviewed progress on bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest.
They also discussed arrangements for the upcoming session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).
Earlier, as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
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