Trade to be increased to $5 billion by 2023: Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that bilateral trade between the two countries would be increased to $5 billion by 2023 and agreements signed would further deepen relations between Pakistan and Turkey.

Addressing a joint press conference along with Prime Minister Imran Khan after signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and agreements, Erdogan stated that investment was important for Pakistan for jobs creation.

"We have signed 13 agreements and it is the most important indicator of how important relations are [between countries]," he added.

President Erdgon expressed his deepest regard for the government of Pakistan for extending hospitability to him and his delegation, and stated that he was happy to visit Pakistan again, which he considered his second home.

He said holding yet another meeting of the high level strategic economic cooperation council which was established in 2009 was great as we deliberated relationship in detail in all aspects at ministerial level and during the council meeting.

The Turkish president stated that, "we have agreed to bring bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2023 during a meeting with Prime Minister Imran during his visit to Ankara."

He further stated that strategic economic framework and its action plan would serve as a roadmap to deepen economic relations between the two countries.

"We are ready to provide all possible support in the fields of energy, tourism, healthcare, education and in law enforcement, which would help economic and social development of Pakistan," the Turkish president added.

He said he was confident that Prime Minister Imran Khan would not spare any effort to improve business climate in Pakistan.

"Turkey is standing next to Pakistan just like in the past. Our cooperation within the military and defence sectors was most dynamic and we are ready to contribute to developing good relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan," the Turkish president said.

He said that Turkey stood in solidarity with the people of Kashmir who for a very long time have suffered oppression and suppression.

"We are very sorry and disturbed to see the situation deteriorating," he said.

President Erdogan said that Turkey was in favour of finding a peaceful solution of the Kashmir issue under the UN resolutions. He said, "We appreciate Pakistan's efforts against terrorism and efforts to establish regional stability."

Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that on behalf of Pakistani nation he would like to thank him for raising his voice against the atrocities of Kashmiris. He said that around eight million Kashmiris are under siege and their leaders and teenagers are in jails while communication blockade has been imposed in the valley which is a disputed territory

He said that strategic economic cooperation would bring about a new era of trade relationship between Pakistan and Turkey to benefit both the countries but Pakistan would benefit more because it would help it to develop those areas which it wants to develop.

"We back Turkey on issue of terrorism from the border of Syria while Turkey not only supported Pakistan on Kashmir issue but also supported in FATA. We thank president for his support," he said, adding that "we also want to build content against Islamophobia and decided to cooperate in this area as well". He said that Pakistan wants to learn from Turkey with regard to development it achieved as Pakistan is facing a situation Turkey had already faced. Pakistan wants support from Turkey in tourism and construction.