Qureshi holds extensive talks with Turkish counterpart

Islamabad: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi received Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at the Foreign Office, Wednesday.

The two Foreign Ministers held extensive exchange of views on bilateral, regional and global issues.

On the bilateral plane, the two Foreign Ministers noted with gratification the positive momentum in brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey marked by exceptional mutual trust and deepening cooperation in diverse fields.

The resolve to ensure timely implementation of decisions, taken during the last session of High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Islamabad in February 2020, was reaffirmed.

Foreign Minister Qureshi underscored the importance of building a stronger economic partnership, including by realizing the vision in the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF).

Thanking Turkey’s firm support to Pakistan on core issue of Jammu & Kashmir, Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed his Turkish counterpart on the grave human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and underscored the importance of peaceful solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

The Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s positive contributions to the Afghan peace process and facilitative role in advancing the cause of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral forums including at the UN, OIC and ECO. The determination to continue extending strong mutual support to each other on all issues of core interest was reiterated.

Expressing concern on the growing phenomenon of Islamophobia, it was agreed to increase collaboration to reflect the true values of Islam and enhance interfaith harmony globally.

An MoU relating to cooperation in the education field (working of Turkish MAARIF Foundation) was signed following the conclusion of delegation-level talks. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Pakistan’s Minister of Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood signed the MoU.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed to maintain close contact and further solidify the fraternal and strategic Pakistan-Turkey relationship.