Bilateral political consultations between Pakistan and Turkey

The first round of Annual Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Turkey within the framework of the High level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) established in 2009, was held at the Pakistan's Foreign Office in Islamabad on 19 December 2013. Mr. Sartaj Aziz, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey led the respective delegations.

The discussions encompassed a whole range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

Expressing satisfaction over the excellent state of their existing relations, the two sides resolved to further intensify the strategic partnership, especially in the economic domain, through promoting facilitative frameworks including the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and the Currency Swap Arrangement. Both sides expressed the view that the forthcoming visit of the Turkish Prime Minister to Pakistan would further strengthen bilateral relations.

Reaffirming the centrality of peace and stability to regional development, the two sides undertook to work closely with other regional part
ners in achieving this shared objective.

Both sides also noted with concern, the multitude of challenges confronting the Islamic world and stressed the need for greater unity and solidarity amongst the Muslim nations.

Underlining the utility of regular consultations in a rapidly changing global environment, the two sides decided to remain engaged on a regular basis.