Pakistan, Turkey are indispensable partners, says PM Nawaz

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Pakistan and Turkey have on Thursday reaffirmed commitment to transform their relationship into a strong strategic partnership. Addressing joint press conference in Islamabad, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the two sides have agreed that increased trade, investment and commercial cooperation must be the nucleus of the robust economic relationship. Sharif said: “Pakistan and Turkey have decided to complete the negotiation process for comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement by the end of next year.” The prime minister thanked President Erdogan for promoting peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute and the active role Turkey has been playing in OIC Contact Group on Kashmir. He said that Pakistan and Turkey are indispensable partners and they would continue to work together closely to strengthen peace, security and development in the region and beyond. On the other hand, Turkish President Erdogan said, “I am thankful for the solidarity clearly demonstrated by the Pakistani administration on this matter, and for their decisive stance against this organization. Turkey and Pakistan have always stood side by side." On the Kashmir question, Erdogan said, "The issue of Kashmir needs a resolution based on dialogue between Pakistan and India in line with UN resolutions, and the demands of the Kashmiri people should be considered. As a president [of a country], and a term president of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation [OIC], we are determined to continue our support.”