“JOINT DECLARATION ON PAKISTAN-TURKEY STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP FOR PEACE
AND PROSPERITY”
Reaffirming close, friendly
and brotherly ties which are deeply rooted in history and a shared culture;
Desirous of giving further
impetus to the already existing strategic cooperation between two countries, by
taking concrete and significant steps in all areas of bilateral cooperation;
Underlining the common vision
of both countries for establishing peace, stability and prosperity in their
region;
Condemning in the strongest
possible terms the terrorist attacks in both countries, and expressing
condolences at the loss of precious lives as a result of such heinous attacks;
Reiterating their common
resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as
well as the threat of extremism, and to support the relevant initiatives in
this regard at regional and international platforms;
Reiterating strong
condemnation of the heinous coup attempt in Turkey on 15 July 2016, paying tribute
to the brave and resilient Turkish people who stood resolutely in defence of
democracy against the forces of darkness;
Expressing firm resolve to
continue their strong mutual support to each other on issues of core national
interest, and in defence of the peace and prosperity of the two nations;
Taking note of the commitments
made in the ‘Joint Declaration on the Future Directions of Pakistan-Turkey
Strategic Relationship’ of 17 November 2016;
Recalling all the previous
Joint Declarations signed between the two sides under the framework of Pakistan-Turkey
High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), and the decisions made
therein;
Expressing satisfaction at the
progress achieved under the framework of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level
Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), and endorsing the outcomes of the
meetings of the Joint Working Groups of the High Level Strategic Cooperation
Council held in Ankara on 22 February 2017;
We, the Co-chairs of the Fifth
Meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council, held in Ankara, on 23
February 2017, with the participation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers as well
as other prominent dignitaries and officials have agreed as follows:
Political Cooperation
-
The High Level Strategic Cooperation Council shall continue to be the
main political forum that guides bilateral relations in all fields.
-
Effective implementation and follow-up of the decisions taken at the
High Level Strategic Cooperation Council meetings shall be ensured. To this
end, a Political Coordination Joint Working Group shall be formed between the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The Political Coordination Joint Working Group
shall be responsible for coordination of the activities of other Joint Working
Groups.
-
Intensive exchanges at the leadership level, parliamentarians,
businessmen as well as civil society and media representatives shall be
furthered.
-
Close cooperation at regional and international fora, particularly the
United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Economic
Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the D-8 Organization, through inter alia
mutual support for joint initiatives, policies and candidacies shall be
strengthened.
-
In this context, remaining concerned over attempts to
link Islam with terrorism, Pakistan and Turkey share the resolve to continue
working together on issues of common interest, including the multilateral
initiatives to combat growing trends of racism, Islamophobia, as well as
discrimination based on religion and stereotyping against Muslims.
-
Welcome the holding of the 13th ECO Summit on 1st
March 2017 in Islamabad as it would contribute towards making ECO more
effective, in the goal of realizing prosperity and development by enhancing
regional cooperation and collaboration.
-
The consultations covering various fields between the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs of the two countries shall be further intensified and broadened.
-
The need for resolution of all outstanding differences between Pakistan
and India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir, through a sustained
dialogue process and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council
resolutions is once more underscored.
-
The need for making the United Nations Security Council more
representative, democratic, transparent, effective and accountable through
comprehensive United Nations Security Council reform process, based on widest possible
consensus is reiterated.
Security and Defence Cooperation
-
The military cooperation between the two countries shall continue to be
intensified, and be focused on joint defence production and research and
development activities.
-
The two sides would expeditiously complete the work on developing a
comprehensive, long-term and forward-looking framework for defence cooperation.
-
Cooperation shall be enhanced to further promote
global disarmament and non-proliferation objectives which will help safeguard
and strengthen international as well as regional security and promote strategic
stability, including in each other’s respective regions. In this
connection, Turkey appreciates Pakistan’s announcement of adherence to the
guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which will further the global
non-proliferation objective.
-
Cooperation between the police agencies of the two countries shall
continue to be expanded to include the capacity building and police training
activities.
-
Through effective cooperation in combatting against cyber-crimes and
transnational organized crimes, mutual information exchange shall be developed
to prevent these crimes.
-
In order to effectively fight against the Fetullah Gülen Terrorist
Organization/Parallel State Structure, the cooperation and information sharing
shall be enhanced.
-
Existing cooperation on implementation of the Agreement on Readmission
of Persons Residing without Authorization shall be strengthened, as well as the
cooperation on travel documents of irregular migrants exiting from Turkey.
Energy Cooperation
-
Enhancement of cooperation in the field of energy is a priority.
-
Cooperation in the fields of coal, electricity transmission and
development of the electricity infrastructure shall be further advanced.
-
Cooperation in the field of hydrocarbons, exploration
and production, supply and trade of petroleum products, LNG and petroleum
infrastructure development shall be strengthened and cooperation between the
relevant organizations shall be encouraged.
-
The investments of private sector in Pakistan in the field of renewable
energy resources, especially in wind and solar energy are welcome and the
cooperation in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency shall be
further developed.
Trade Cooperation:
-
The efforts towards increasing the current trade volume between Turkey
and Pakistan reflecting the level of their excellent political relations and
the real potential of their respective economies shall be continued.
-
Pakistan-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which
covers trade in goods, and services and investment is currently under
negotiation between the two countries. Five rounds of negotiations have been
held so far. Further discussions will be conducted taking into consideration
the sensitivities of economies of both countries. The FTA shall be finalized
within the projected timeframe. Its early conclusion will constitute an
important step towards the enhancement of trade between the two countries.
Finance Cooperation
-
Cooperation in the fields of finance and banking including insurance,
capital markets, anti-money laundering, budgeting, financial reporting and
auditing shall be enhanced.
-
Cooperation between two countries in Islamic finance shall be furthered.
-
Exchange of information and experiences between Pakistan Stock Exchange
and Borsa Istanbul shall be encouraged.
-
The development projects in the government of
Pakistan's priority sectors will be carried out under US $ 300 million credit
line on terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the two sides".
Transportation and Communication Cooperation:
-
As the number of passengers travelling between two countries is growing
welcomingly, necessary arrangements shall be made by increasing the frequency
of flights to meet the passenger demand.
-
Islamabad – Tehran – Istanbul (ITI) Container Train Line shall be kept
open and matters regarding operation of the train line shall continue to be
discussed at the high level working group established for this purpose.
-
The efforts to strengthen the cooperation in road transportation shall
be furthered within the framework of the meeting of Joint Commission on Road
Transportation that took place in Islamabad on 26-27 July 2016.
-
The cooperation between the postal administrations of two countries
shall be intensified to include the fields of e-trade, postal payment systems
and to increase the postal dispatches.
-
“Turk Telecom International” shall continue to cooperate with its
Pakistani counterparts to develop the telecommunication infrastructure between
two countries.
Development Cooperation:
-
The projects between TIKA, which has a Program Coordination Office in
Islamabad, and its Pakistani counterparts on development of basic education
capabilities, water supply and hygiene, enhancement of production
infrastructures, capacity building and enhancement in vocational training and
health sectors, development of administrative and physical infrastructures
shall be continued.
-
Combating the adverse effects of climate change
and global warming, cooperation regarding sustainable use of water resources,
combating desertification, achieving land degradation neutrality and sustainable land
management shall be the main areas in strengthening cooperation in the field of
preservation of the environment.
-
Housing Development Administration (TOKI) shall provide necessary
assistance to the relevant Pakistani authorities in the field of development of
social housing projects, with technical expertise, experience sharing and exchange
of experts.
Agriculture Cooperation:
-
The Action Plan prepared by the Pakistan-Turkey Agriculture Executive
Committee shall continue to be implemented and the activities envisaged in the
Plan shall be expedited.
Education and Science Cooperation:
-
Interaction between universities and academic institutions shall be
promoted and in this regard, collaboration on higher education scholarships
shall be continued.
-
Turkish Maarif Foundation, with support and cooperation of the Pakistani
authorities, will contribute to the development of relations in the field of
education between two countries through opening and running schools in
Pakistan.
-
Exchange of information on support and incentives for research and
development programs implemented in both countries, enhancement of cooperation
in these areas and development of joint projects on technological fields that
are of primary importance for both countries shall be promoted.
-
In order to develop the cooperation in the field of science, TUBITAK and
Pakistan Science Foundation shall commence bilateral cooperation for funding of
projects in 2017.
-
In the light of the “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation Between
The Foreign Service Training Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Turkey and the Foreign Service Academy of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan”, signed on 25 October 2009,
cooperation in the field of training of diplomats by encouraging participation
in their existing training programs; organizing bilateral short term programs
and study visits for the diplomats of both sides, exchange of information, best practices, curricula, documentation,
teaching material and conference
speakers as appropriate, shall be fostered.
-
Both sides shall work towards recognizing degrees and diplomas within
the framework of the laws and regulations of their countries and exchange necessary
information on the subject.
Cultural and Tourism Cooperation:
-
On the occasion of 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic
relations between Turkey and Pakistan, various cultural activities will be held
in both countries throughout 2017.
-
On the occasion of 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic
relations between Pakistan and Turkey, a joint commemorative stamp will be issued.
-
Cultural relations between the two countries shall be strengthened
through Yunus Emre Cultural Centers which are to commence functions in Karachi
and Lahore as well as Pakistani Cultural Centers which are to be established in
Turkey.
-
Organizations including art and art exhibitions (except for those of
historical heritage), festivals, meetings and conferences which promote
cultural events with the participation of cultural delegations shall be
supported.
-
Visits of experts in the fields of archaeology and museums as well as conservation
and restoration of archaeological sites, historical sites, historical
monuments, museums and conservation laboratories shall be mutually organized.
-
Translation and publication of classical and contemporary literary works
shall be mutually promoted.
-
In order to strengthen the cooperation in the field of tourism the
meetings of “Joint Tourism Commission” shall be held annually.
-
Strengthening cooperation in the field of press and information, in this
context organization of mutual activities in the field of press and information
with the participation of both countries’ media institutions and members shall
be promoted. Designation of permanent representatives from state agencies as
well as private media outlets shall be encouraged.
-
Renewal of the Cooperation Protocols among Turkish Radio Television
Corporation (TRT), Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and Pakistan
Television Corporation (PTV) shall re-establish the necessary framework for
further cooperation in the field of press and information.
The seven Joint Working Groups
of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council shall continue their work to
develop specific programmes and projects.
In this regard, the Joint
Working Groups, will meet before the meetings of the High Level Strategic
Cooperation Council at least two times in Ankara, in Islamabad, or through
video conference.
The next meeting of the High
Level Strategic Cooperation Council shall be held in Islamabad in 2018. The
dates shall be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
Done in Ankara on 23 February
2017 in English and Turkish languages, both texts being equally authentic.
Muhammad
Nawaz Sharif Binali
Yıldırım
Prime
Minister of the Prime
Minister of the
Islamic
Republic of Pakistan Republic
of Turkey
No comments:
Post a Comment