We will take relationship with Turkey to higher level: PM Imran

Erdogan said that Turkey will continue to stand in solidarity with Pakistan

ANKARA (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday pledged to enhance relation between the Pakistan and Turkey.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a meeting in Ankara on Friday and discussed bilateral relations besides regional and international issues of mutual interests.

Addressing a joint press conference in Ankara, the prime minister said that the two countries has decades long friendship, adding that the people living in Pakistani areas had played a major role in Turkey s movement of independence.

Imran Khan went on to say that Pakistan wants to increase cooperation in all the fields especially in the field of economy.

Pakistan plans to build 50 million houses in the next five years, he said and added the construction of these homes requires Turkish companies support.

He said Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey summit will help restore tranquality in the war torn Afghanistan, adding that Islamabad is already extending its cooperation in bringing Afghan Taliban and the United States to the negotiating table for peace in Afghanistan.

"I look forward to the summit meeting later in Istanbul, where we hope that Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey will be able to help this peace process," he said. "Pakistan wants cordial relations with all its neighbours, including India," he added.

"The affiliation, the love, the connection between Pakistan and Turkey has always been there. I want to stress that we want to take this relationship to a much higher level," Khan stressed.

Pakistani PM said that is why he came to Turkey with a strong delegation, including ministers. He said both Pakistan and Turkey face security threats against them and Pakistan wants to enhance ties with Turkey in every sphere. "I go back knowing that Pakistan and Turkey from now on move much closer," Khan said.

Speaking on the occasion, Erdogan said that there are brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkey.

Read Also: PM Imran meets Erdogan, discusses bilateral interests

The Turkish President hailed a ruling by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to recognize FETO as a terrorist organization.

Erdogan said that Turkey will continue to stand in solidarity with Pakistan, encouraging country’s business community to invest in Pakistan.

Earlier, PM Imran Khan paid his respects to modern Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in the capital Ankara.

Khan laid a wreath at Ataturk s Mausoleum, and he also signed a formal guest book.

"It is a matter of great honor for me to be present here to pay homage to one of the greatest statesmen and visionary leaders of the 20th century -- Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk," he wrote in the guest book.

"Leading the Turkish nation at one of the most challenging times, he changed the course of Turkish and indeed the world history, becoming an inspiration for all those resisting the tide of colonialism across the world. He was an epitome of courage, strength, resilience, forbearance, and wisdom."

Khan wrote Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, had described Ataturk as "one of the greatest men who has ever lived".

"On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I would like to convey my deepest admiration and respect for Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

"His glorious struggle and leadership for the independence and unity of the Turkish nation will forever remain a golden chapter in the annals of history."