Pakistan and Turkey decide to reach free trade deal by end of 2017
islamabad — Pakistan and Turkey on Thursday agreed to further strengthen their existing close, deeprooted and multi-faceted ties and cooperation in diverse areas for the mutual benefit.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, after holding one-on-one meeting and delegation talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, told a joint Press conference that they had an extensive and wide-ranging exchange of views.
“We reaffirmed our joint commitment to continue to transform our special relationship into a strong, strategic partnership.”
The prime minister said the two sides agreed that increased trade, investment and commercial cooperation must be the nucleus of the robust economic relationship that they envision. “In this context we have decided to complete talks for the comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement by the end of 2017,” he said.
During the delegation level talks, Prime Minister Sharif and President Erdogan led their respective delegations.
Sharif said Pakistan and Turkey are two pivotal states, witnessing instability, conflict and transformational developments in their respective regions.
“President Erdogan and I agreed that a close Pak-Turkey relationship served as a powerful factor of stability in this troubled environment,” he said.
He said Pakistan was committed to a peaceful neighbourhood and along with Turkey, the joint efforts for security and development in the region would continue.
“As indispensable partners, Pakistan and Turkey would continue to make efforts for peace, security and development in the region and beyond.”
He mentioned that 2017 marked the 70th anniversary of Pak-Turk diplomatic relations. — APP