Sartaj-Cavusoglu-Press--2

Sartaj-Cavusoglu-Press--2

(Pakistan Point News - 2nd August, 2016) Advisor Sartaj Aziz and Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu who earlier held a one-on-one and delegation-level meetings said their interaction focused on exchange of in-depth views on bilateral relations. Aziz said signing of Free Trade Agreement with Turkey expected in next few weeks would be a milestone to boost trade. He said the need for lasting political solution in Afghanistan also came under discussion.

He said Pakistan and Turkey were host to largest refugee population in the world and expressed hope that the international community would be mindful of the burden. The Advisor expressed Pakistan's unequivocal support to the dynamic leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and congratulated on the successful defeat of the military coup in his country. He mentioned that Turkish people coming out in streets in support of democracy was a sight to behold.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Pakistan was the first country he was visiting after Turkey's coup and acknowledged the support of Pakistani nation and government for their solidarity in this hour. He expressed gratitude to both Houses of the Pakistani parliament for adopting a unanimous resolution in favour of democracy in Turkey. He said that Turkey was taking all necessary measures against the perpetrators of coup.

He dismissed the impression that Turkey would slide into a state of chaos following the state of emergency, adding that it was not meant to target public but the state structure to ensure stability in the country. The Turkish Foreign Minister said Pakistan was a second home to Turkish people and the two nations reciprocated feelings of affinity for each other. He underlined Turkey's support to Pakistan against its fight against terrorism, mentioning that Turkey was also a victim of terrorism. He said Turkey was normalizing its relations with Russia and Israel.