President Asif Ali Zardari and Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday made a renewed pledge to build a strategic partnership focusing on achieving economic prosperity and strengthening political ties. President Asif Ali Zardari held the meeting with Turkish Prime Minister at a luncheon at his official residence.
The meeting was held in a great spirit of camaraderie; the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues and expressed determination to steer their countries on high trajectory development path by turning challenges into opportunities. President Zardari referred to his country's special relationship with Turkey, saying the ties are rooted in unbreakable centuries-old links of history, culture and religion. Discussing the work done by the high level Co-operation Council set up by the two countries, he expressed the desire to bolster the institutional arrangements, which help in efficient execution of projects planned by the two brotherly nations.
Keeping in view the vast potential the two countries have in terms of vast human capital, abundant natural resources and growing markets with middle class consumers, the two leaders agreed that more opportunities can be availed by businessmen of both the countries for investment. They underlined the need to further encourage their private sectors to create joint ventures in the areas of textiles, telecommunications, and mining and technology.
Concluding, President Zardari praised the dynamic leadership of Turkey for ensuring political stability and economic growth in the country. He said the vision and contribution of Turkish leaders have advanced regional peace and stability within the Islamic world and Turkey as a democratic and economically strong country is a source of inspiration for others. Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Railways Minister, Ghulam Ahmed Bilour and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar were present on the occasion.