ISLAMABAD, November 16 (DNA): President Mamnoon Hussain and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed on joint cooperation between the two countries for further deepening trade and defence relations, resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of United Nations and peace in the region, joint efforts for durable peace in Afghanistan and elimination of terrorism.

The President thanked Turkey for its strong support for Pakistan’s Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) membership.

This was agreed upon between the two leaders in a meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday.  The two Presidents had one on one meeting which was followed by delegation level meeting. On the occasion, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Deputy Secretary General & Spokesperson Ibrahim Kaln, Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan Sadik Babur Girgin, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and other senior officials were also present.

On the occasion, President Mamnoon Hussain proposed to conclude a comprehensive and long-term “Framework Agreement for Defence Cooperation” between Pakistan and Turkey which was agreed by the visiting dignitary.

The President expressed satisfaction at Turkey’s cooperation for its Submarine upgrade and acquiring of Super Mushak trainer aircraft from Pakistan by Turkey. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries will grow further in the coming days adding that in this regard all necessary measures will be taken.

The two leaders agreed that Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the resolutions of United Nations. Expressing concern over human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir, President Mamnoon Hussain called for an inquiry of these atrocities under the UN auspices. The President thanked Turkish President on Turkey’s support on Kashmir issue and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Turkey’s position on Cyprus and hoped that the issue will be resolved soon on which Turkish President thanked the President and the Government of Pakistan.

President Mamnoon Hussain noted that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Turkey has declined during the last few years and emphasized the need to enhance it. Agreeing to this suggestion, Turkish President stressed the need for joint ventures for enhancing bilateral trade and said that soon there will be improvement in this regard. President Mamnoon Hussain hoped that Turkish investors will invest in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors. He expressed satisfaction at growing Turkish investment in Pakistan.

The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its manifestation and reiterated the resolve that Pakistan and Turkey will continue to cooperate with each other for elimination of terrorism. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkish people would resolutely defeat terrorists belonging to PKK and Daesh. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commended the resolve of Pakistani nation and Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism and hoped that peace will soon be completely restored in Pakistan.

On the occasion, President Mamnoon Hussain proposed to celebrate the 70th year of Pakistan-Turkey Diplomatic Relations in a befitting manner through exchange of high-level visits, issuance of joint commemorative stamps and cultural exchanges to which Turkish President agreed.

President Mamnoon Hussain apprised his Turkish counterpart about developments related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and said that this mega project will be a source of progress and stability in South Asia, Central Asia and Middle East. President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed pleasure at fast paced development in regard to CPEC and said Turkey believes that this project will become a source of international peace and stability.

President Mamnoon Hussain appreciated Turkey’s strong support for Pakistan’s Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) membership and expressed satisfaction that most countries have adopted a constructive and balanced approach for peace in the region but expressed his concern at the biased and discriminatory attitude of few countries over the regional issues which is creating problems.

Earlier, upon arrival, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was warmly received by President Mamnoon Hussain at the main entrance of the Aiwan-e-Sadr. On the occasion, children clad in traditional dress presented bouquets to the visiting dignitary.

President Mamnoon Hussain also hosted a banquet in the honour of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. On the occasion, Federal Ministers, National Security Adviser, Parliamentarians, three Services Chiefs, Governors of Punjab and KPK, Acting Governor Balochistan, Chief Ministers of Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, Speaker National Assembly, foreign diplomats and high ranking military and civil officials were also present. After the banquet, Pakistan Army bands played popular tunes of both countries which were appreciated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his delegation and other guests. DNA