- Press & Information
- Joint Declarations
- 2008
- Pakistan - Turkey Joint Statement, Ankara, October 27-31, 2008
Pakistan - Turkey Joint Statement, Ankara, October 27-31, 2008
1. The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani paid an official visit to the Republic of Turkey from 27-31 October, 2008. Mrs. Gilani and a high ranking entourage accompanied the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
2. In Ankara, Prime Minister Mr. Gilani, held talks with the Prime Minister of Turkey His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and called on President of Turkey, His Excellency Abdullah Gül and the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, His Excellency Köksal Toptan. Prime Minister of Pakistan was the Chief Guest at the National Day Celebrations of the Republic of Turkey. The Prime Minister of Pakistan also attended the World Economic Forum meeting in Istanbul.
3. Pakistan and Turkey enjoy special relations which are characterized by unique bonds of close affinity, mutual respect and solidarity and are deep-rooted in the hearts of the peoples. Both sides attach highest importance to the friendship between their peoples and their mutually beneficial partnership.
4. In their talks, which were characterized by great warmth, leaders of the two countries expressed their determination to comprehensively upgrade their strategic cooperative partnership, which is in the fundamental interests of their peoples and is an important factor in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity.
5. The two sides decided to institute regular strategic dialogue and further intensify the process of coordination, consultation and cooperation on regional and global issues.
6. It was decided to establish comprehensive frameworks to promote economic and trade; defence; scientific and technological; and cultural cooperation. Both sides agreed that project cooperation in all sectors holds immense potential and will be invigorated by enabling their respective corporate sectors to collaborate effectively.
7. They agreed to take up important development projects in infrastructure, minerals, agriculture, manufacturing and energy sectors. Public and private sectors corporations of Pakistan and Turkey will also jointly undertake regional and trans-regional cooperation.
8. It was also decided to enhance connectivity by establishing transportation and communication links, including additional air links. Given the special geo-economic and geo-political significance of both Pakistan and Turkey, special attention will be given to road and rail links.
9. Both countries are determined to increase their cooperation bilaterally as well as multilaterally to promote regional peace, development and prosperity.
10. Pakistan expressed appreciation for the important role played by Turkey in promoting peace in Afghanistan. In this context, it was agreed to further pursue the Ankara Tripartite Summit process, which will especially focus on development dimension.
11. Pakistan also expressed full support for the realization of the aspirations of the Turkish Cypriot people.
12. Turkey expressed full solidarity and support for Pakistan's sovereignty, political independence and territorial territory. Turkey also expressed support for the efforts of Pakistan to combat the menace of terrorism and extremism. Both sides decided to increase their cooperation in security and counter terrorism.
13. At the cultural plane, it was decided to institute regular youth exchanges, linkup universities and think tanks, film, television and media, joint productions and cooperation.
14. It was decided to declare the ancients cities of Multan and Konya as sister cities. The precious cultural heritage of the two sister cities is a cherished treasure and both cities will jointly promote multidimensional cooperation highlighting in particular their great spiritual significance.
15. It was also decided to promote tourism between the two countries as well as develop special joint tourism products and packages.
16. The Parliaments of the two countries will develop regular exchanges. With a view to facilitating this process, following the formation of the Turkish side, the Pakistani side of the Parliamentary Friendship Group will be established in the earliest time frame.
17. The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accepted the invitation of the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to visit Pakistan.