Consul General of Pakistan in Istanbul Dr Yousaf Junaid has said that Pakistan Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks are in the final stage of conclusion. He was addressing a "Pakistan Day" reception hosted in Istanbul, said a press release issued here on Thursday.
It was attended by a large number of guests including senior Turkish civil and military leadership, leading businessmen, media representatives, Istanbul-based diplomats and Pakistani diaspora living in Istanbul.
The prominent guests were Governor Istanbul Vasip Shaheen, Member of Trukish Grand National Assembly Hasan Turan, Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Board Chairman Erdal Bahcivan, and Chairman of Albayrak Group Ahmet Albayrak.
Welcoming the guests at the reception, Consul General Dr Yousaf Junaid highlighted the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
He mentioned about the political and economic stability achieved in Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that can also be gauged from the global surveys, rating agencies' reports, increasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and $56 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Consul General also mentioned about recent Turkish investment of $250 million by Arcelik Group in home appliances sector of Pakistan and 300 MW solar energy project launched by Zorlu Group.
Governor Vasip Shaheen in his speech referred to the historical ties of brotherhood between the two countries. He said that they witnessed exceptional hospitality during their recent visit to Pakistan. Governor Shaheen said, "If Pakistan is strong, the entire Muslim world would be strong." "Our friendship with Pakistan is centuries old and goes back to our National War of Independence," he said.