ANKARA, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani held tête-à-tête followed by a detailed delegation level meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, here on Tuesday. Both Prime Ministers covered whole gambit of bilateral relations in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere and there was complete agreement between the two on almost every issue of mutual interest.
Noting that the present bilateral trade of around $700 million was not commensurate with the potential and opportunities available in both countries, it was agreed that it would be enhanced to level of $1 billion as soon as possible by diversifying the export products. Turkey would assist Pakistan in development of its tourist infrastructure and tourism sector by sharing its experience in this important field.
It was agreed that Pakistan and Turkey would sign framework agreements for co-operation in economy and trade, science and technology, defence and on upgradation of cultural ties and promote student exchange and people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan and Turkey would also promote project co-operation and place negotiations for Preferential Trade Agreement on fast track. The meeting of Joint Ministerial Commission, which has remained dormant since 2002, would be convened in the near future to add new impetus to the existing overall economic co-operation.
Turkey would encourage its corporate sector to invest in Pakistan in Thermal and Hydel power generation, agriculture, packaging of agro products, housing and infrastructure construction sectors. The Turkish Exim Bank would offer buyer's credit to Pakistan to finance the supply of trucks to Pakistan's Armed Forces.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan assured his Turkish counterpart that his government would help in resolution of some problems being faced by the Turkish investors in the country. Pakistan would also look into the Turkish request for strengthening the transport links between the two countries for facilitation of trade links, particularly by road transport.
The Turkish Airlines would be allowed to increase the numbers of its weekly flights to Karachi and would also be permitted to start operating its flights to Lahore and Islamabad. Both sides also agreed to cooperate in counter-terrorism campaign. The Interior Ministers of Pakistan and Turkey would remain in close regular contact in this regard to determine the ways and means of enhanced co-operation in this area.
The Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Turkey also discussed the regional and international issues of mutual interest particularly South Asia, Middle East and Afghanistan. Pakistan offered its complete support to Turkey's Istanbul Initiative on Afghanistan.
Pakistan and Turkey to sign framework agreements
ANKARA, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani held tête-à-tête followed by a detailed delegation level meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, here on Tuesday. Both Prime Ministers covered whole gambit of bilateral relations in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere and there was complete agreement between the two on almost every issue of mutual interest.
Noting that the present bilateral trade of around $700 million was not commensurate with the potential and opportunities available in both countries, it was agreed that it would be enhanced to level of $1 billion as soon as possible by diversifying the export products. Turkey would assist Pakistan in development of its tourist infrastructure and tourism sector by sharing its experience in this important field.
It was agreed that Pakistan and Turkey would sign framework agreements for co-operation in economy and trade, science and technology, defence and on upgradation of cultural ties and promote student exchange and people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan and Turkey would also promote project co-operation and place negotiations for Preferential Trade Agreement on fast track. The meeting of Joint Ministerial Commission, which has remained dormant since 2002, would be convened in the near future to add new impetus to the existing overall economic co-operation.
Turkey would encourage its corporate sector to invest in Pakistan in Thermal and Hydel power generation, agriculture, packaging of agro products, housing and infrastructure construction sectors. The Turkish Exim Bank would offer buyer's credit to Pakistan to finance the supply of trucks to Pakistan's Armed Forces.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan assured his Turkish counterpart that his government would help in resolution of some problems being faced by the Turkish investors in the country. Pakistan would also look into the Turkish request for strengthening the transport links between the two countries for facilitation of trade links, particularly by road transport.
The Turkish Airlines would be allowed to increase the numbers of its weekly flights to Karachi and would also be permitted to start operating its flights to Lahore and Islamabad. Both sides also agreed to cooperate in counter-terrorism campaign. The Interior Ministers of Pakistan and Turkey would remain in close regular contact in this regard to determine the ways and means of enhanced co-operation in this area.
The Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Turkey also discussed the regional and international issues of mutual interest particularly South Asia, Middle East and Afghanistan. Pakistan offered its complete support to Turkey's Istanbul Initiative on Afghanistan.
