PM Terms his Turkey visit successful

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani declaring his visit to Turkey as successful has said that the visit to friendly country will open new avenues of bilateral cooperation.

Briefing newsmen about his visit in PM House here Saturday, the PM said he had talks with Turkish officials on enhancing cooperation in education, health, housing and energy sectors and to strengthen bilateral trades and economic ties between the two countries.

The two countries also agreed to enhance their bilateral trade from existing $700 million to $ one billion, he said.

“We also talked on the growing terrorism and the ways to counter this menace in the region. Turkey has assured Pakistan to fully cooperate in its war against terror,” PM maintained.

He said he also attended the 85th anniversary of Independence of Turkey as the Guest of Honor and was the only head of government who attended the parade at the occasion that, according to him, depicts the cordial relationships between the two nations.

The Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani was also scheduled to visit Turkey this month, said the PM adding that his visit would help to enhance strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkey.

The PM said all the political parties of the country had their representation in the delegation that flew with him to Turkey which, according to him, gave an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two nations.

“I also met with Turkish parliamentarians in the visit and you’ll be astonished that they have formed a Pakistan-Turkey Friendship Group that comprises of 375 members of their parliament,” PM informed the newsmen.

He said that he will ask Speaker National Assembly to form such parliamentary group here in Pakistan to extend cordial relationships.


Via