ANKARA, 21 February 2017: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will be visiting Turkey
from 22-24 February 2017 for the 5th Session of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level
Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level
delegation, consisting of Ministers and senior officials. He would have
wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional
and international issues. Together with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim,
the Prime Minister would co-chair the 5th HLSCC meeting, to be held in Ankara
on 23 February 2017.
The Pakistan-Turkey High Level Cooperation Council (HLSCC)
was established in 2009, as a framework for consultations at the highest
political level between the two sides.The mechanism provides strategic focus
and direction to the bilateral relationship and helps chart a vision for the
future. The six Joint Working Groups (JWG), operating under the umbrella of the
HLSCC, focus on a broad range of areas, namely – Trade; Energy; Banking &
Finance; Communications & Railways; Education; and Culture & Tourism.
So far, four Sessions of the HLSCC have been held – December
2010; May 2012; September 2013; and February 2015. The last session was held in
Islamabad on 17 February 2015. More than 50 Agreements/MoUs have been concluded
between the two sides within the HLSCC framework.
At the conclusion of the 5th Session, a Joint Declaration
will be issued. A number of Agreements/MoUs are also expected to be signed on
the occasion.
During the visit, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif would
be meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Prime Minister will also
visit the Turkish Parliament to reaffirm Pakistan’s unequivocal support and
solidarity with the Government and people of Pakistan against the failed coup
attempt in Turkey on 15 July 2016. The Turkish Parliament was bombed on that
night. The Prime Minister would pay homage to all those who laid down their
lives in defence of the Turkish democracy.
The relationship between Pakistan and Turkey is unique in
inter-state relations -- marked by exceptional warmth, cordiality and mutual
trust. These fraternal ties are nurtured by common faith, shared history, and
cultural and linguistic affinities. The two nations have an abiding tradition
of standing by each other and mutually supporting their respective national
causes -- including Kashmir and Cyprus.
Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey have
witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years, ranging from enhanced
economic ties to deepening defence collaboration to growing educational and cultural
links. Both sides are working to give powerful thrust to bilateral trade,
investments, and commercial cooperation as part of the efforts to build a
robust economic partnership. The leadership of both the countries is committed
to transforming this historic relationship into a strong strategic partnership
in line with the realities of the 21st century.
This year also marks the 70th year of Pakistan-Turkey
Diplomatic Relations. The two countries envisage special commemorative events
throughout the year to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey and the convening of
the 5th Session of HLSCC would further deepen the time-tested, unparalleled and
historic ties between the two brotherly countries and would impart a strong
impetus to their flourishing cooperation in diverse fields.
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