- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses joint session of the Parliament in Islamabad
- Vows to take Pak-Turkey bilateral trade volume to $5 billion
ISLAMABAD, February 14: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed a joint session of the Parliament in Islamabad on Friday which had been summoned by President Dr Arif Alvi and affirmed that Pakistan-Turkey relations are admirable for the entire world.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said it is an honour to address this House and thanked Pakistan for providing him with the opportunity. I am grateful for the hospitality and it feels like home here, he said.
“Pakistan and Turkey share common religion, culture and values. Our friendship has evolved in love and affection. We share each other’s joys and sorrows.
“The spirit of the Muslims of the subcontinent to get freedom is unforgettable and Kashmir holds the same significance for Turkey as it has for Pakistan.
“I assure my support for Pakistan before the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) despite pressure. I thank Pakistani nation for supporting Turkey in every hour of need.
“Economic progress is not achieved in some days. It becomes possible only after continuous hard work. I have come to Pakistan with a big group of investors as environment for trade is becoming conducive here after steps taken by the Pakistan government.
“I salute Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism. The inter national community has left Syria alone whereas Turkey is investing $ 40 billion on Syrians to protect them from atrocities. “It is our religious and moral duty to stand by the oppressed Muslims. The Turkish army has been fighting against separatist organizations for 35 years.
“Turkey will stand with Pakistan in future as well and I pray that the love between both countries lasts forever.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to take Pak-Turkey bilateral trade volume to one billion dollars in the first phase and eventually to five billion dollars later.
Addressing the Pakistan-Turkey Business Forum in Islamabad on Friday, he said there is vast scope for increasing the current two way trade volume of 800 million dollars. He said we want to take the commercial relations between the two brotherly countries to the same level as political ties.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the two countries can collaborate in a number of industries for their mutual benefit. He said we should not allow protectionism or trade walls between us.-Agencies
