Turkish President to visit Pakistan today

Islamabad: On the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan, His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be visiting Pakistan from 13-14 February 2020.

President Erdogan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet members and senior government officials, as well as heads and CEOs of leading Turkish corporations, the foreign office said.

During the visit, Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Erdogan will have tete-a-tete, after which they will co-chair the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in the joint cabinet format. At the conclusion of the Session, a Joint Declaration will be signed. A number of important agreements/MoUs are expected to be concluded. The two leaders will have a joint press stakeout.

President Erdogan will separately meet with President Dr. Arif Alvi. President Erodgan will also address a Joint Session of Parliament of Pakistan. Together with Prime Minister Imran Khan, he will address the Pakistan-Turkey Business and Investment Forum which brings together leading investors and business-people from both sides.

The High Level Strategic Cooperation Council is the highest level decision-making forum, providing strategic direction to further strengthening of relations between the two countries. There are 7 Joint Working Groups (JWGs) working under the HLSCC, focused on Political Coordination; Trade & Investment; Energy; Banking & Finance; Transport & Communications; Culture & Tourism; and Education. So far, 5 sessions of the HLSCC have been held, alternately in Islamabad and Ankara.

Pakistan and Turkey have a unique and abiding relationship characterized by mutual support and exceptional mutual trust and understanding. The two brotherly countries have always been each other’s steadfast partners. Turkey supports the cause of self-determination for the people of Indian-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan stands by Turkey on the question of Cyprus.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Erdogan, Pakistan-Turkey relations have further fortified into an enduring partnership. Both sides place a strong emphasis on forging a robust economic relationship. There is also a joint resolve to translate historic amity into vibrant cooperation in diverse fields, including in the context of combating Islamophobia, promoting Islamic solidarity, and advancing shared goals of regional peace, security and stability.

The visit of President Erdogan will serve to underscore the traditional solidarity and affinity between the two countries, and prove to be another significant milestone in the further deepening and broadening of the flourishing Pakistan-Turkey strategic partnership.