ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference in Islamabad here on Thursday.
Turkish president Erdogan in his speech stressed the need for resolution of Kashmir issue besides raising concerns on the Indian aggression at Line of control (LoC).
Erdogan who was received with a rousing welcome at Prime Minister house also expressed his views about Pakistan and said that the free trade agreement between the two countries would be finalised by the next year.
He also urged the need for negotiations between India and Pakistan for early resolution of Kashmir issue. He maintained that Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan were like close friends.
He also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir adding that turkey would support Pakistan on OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) forum as well.
Erdogan also detailed about the Gulen movement and opined that the masses in Pakistan praised Turkish democracy citing the botched coup.
Premier Nawaz Sharif in his address expressed that Pakistan was like a second home to Turkish president. He also lauded efforts of Turkey for resolution of Kashmir conflict.
He deplored the coup bid in Turkey while praising the role of Turkish masses. The premier said that Pakistan was shell-shocked at the news of coup bid in Turkey.
He went on to reaffirm that Pakistan supported the Erdogan led elected government in Turkey.
They both underlined the need for further strengthening of ties between the two countries for a better future.
