Turkish Prime Minister begins visit to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, 23 December 2013: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Pakistan early

Monday for a two-day official visit for talks on bilateral matters, focusing on economic cooperation, officials said.
The Turkish prime minister is leading a delegation comprising ministers, businessmen and entrepreneurs to explore the investment avenues in diverse fields in Pakistan.
Erdogan was accorded Red Carpet welcome as his special plane landed in the eastern city of Lahore, the capital of Punjab province.
He was presented a 21-gun salute on his arrival. Chief Minister of Punjab province Shehbaz Sharif and senior officials welcomed the guests at the airport.
Pakistan state television reported that a 40-member delegation of business leaders is part of the entourage of the Turkish prime minister.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said Erdogan will attend Pakistan-Turkey Business Forum 2013 in Lahore later on Monday. He will also visit historical sites in Lahore before arrival in Islamabad.
The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry said the visit of Erdogan to Pakistan will help boost trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
During his two-day visit, the Turkish prime minister will hold talks with President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and will discuss bilateral and regional matters with them.
Pakistan business leaders have welcomed the visit and are confident that it will strengthen economic cooperation and further cement bilateral relations between the two countries.
President of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zubair Ahmed Malik said the business community attaches great importance to the Turkish people and its private sector. He said close cooperation in the economic sector will help both countries meet future challenges.
Vice President of SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik said Pakistani corporate and private sectors will extend all possible cooperation to Turkish entrepreneurs to explore investment avenues in various fields in Pakistan.
Courtesy: Xinhua

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN

President Mamnoon Hussain Thursday  emphasized the need for translating the current positive momentum and friendly equation between Pakistan and turkey into strategic comprehensive partnership in all realms of cooperation to the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

The President said this in his meeting with Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Foreign Minister of Turkey at the Presidency on 19 December 2013.

The Turkish Foreign Minister was accompanied by Mr. Selcuk Unal, Special Advisor to the Foreign Minister, Mr. Sakir Torunlar, Director General (South Asia), Turkish Foreign Ministry and Mr. Sadik Babur Girgin, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan.

Welcoming the Turkish Foreign Minister, the President said that Pakistan attaches special significance to its relations with Turkey and desires to further enhance and strengthen these ties in diverse fields.

Highlighting importance of communication linkages, the President stressed the need for upgrading communication links between the two countries to further boost trade, commerce, investment and people to people contacts.

Referring to the 16^th Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers meeting being held in Pakistan, the President said that the D-8 holds great potential to build on the synergies that exist between the eight leading Islamic countries and urged the need for greater focus on further strengthening economic ties within the D-8 family. As leading members of the D-8, Pakistan and Turkey can play a more pro-active role towards this end, the President remarked.

The President said that Pakistan was looking forward to the upcoming visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan, which he said would prove to be another landmark in the strategic relations between our two brotherly countries.

The President expressed confidence that the positive momentum generated through High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) process will take Pakistan- Turkey bilateral ties to new heights.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Foreign Minister of Turkey thanked the President for meeting and said that Turkey values its multifaceted relations with Pakistan. He said that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is visiting Pakistan next week with a large group of businessmen to further underpin close economic ties between the two countries.

Pakistan holds strong relations with Turkey and Turkey has a special place in our hearts - Pakistan Prime Minister

Islamabad the 20th December, 2013: Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in an interview with TRT Turk (Turkish Radio & Television) channel has said that “Pakistan holds strong relations with Turkey, and Turkey has a special place in our hearts”. He further said that history bears witness to the fact that Pakistan and Turkey were the pioneer members of RCD along with Iran, “it was first cooperation council of its nature among the three countries”.

Prime Minister further said that “We already have partnership with Turkey in transport sector in Punjab and we need to harness the full potential of Pak-Turkey friendship in other fields as well”. He stated that “I recently visited Turkey and was greatly impressed by the progress made by Turkey and congratulated the leadership and Government of Turkey on efforts for welfare of their people”.

While replying to a question, the Prime Minister said that “I am happy on the smooth transfer of power in Pakistan and now democracy is taking roots as free and fair elections were held in the country. However, we have huge challenges in front of us like power shortage, law and order, economy, and terrorism, but as a strong nation we will overcome all hurdles”. He said that we now can see improvement in load shedding in the country due to clearance of substantial amount of circular debt, economic growth rate has improved in the last three months and so has the growth in manufacturing sector, coupled with improving law and order situation.

To a question regarding relations with neighboring countries, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that we want peace with our neighbours. “In Afghanistan we want Afghan owned and Afghan led peace process”. He further said that “I visited Afghanistan and held meeting with President Karzai and assured him of Pakistan’s full support for the peace process. Moreover, there is complete understanding on various issues between the two countries. We believe that stability in Afghanistan is important for Pakistan and for the entire region”.

Prime Minister said that “we want peace with India, and want resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue”. Pakistan and India are neighbors and no one can change its neighbors, so let’s live like good neighbors, said the Prime Minister.

While replying to another question, Prime Minister said that, “I am thankful to European Union for supporting Pakistan in award of GSP Plus status, which shows confidence of international markets on excellent quality of Pakistani products. Now we need energy and power to harness the full potential of Pakistan-EU cooperation. Our trade will improve with EU countries and exports will boost”. He said that the government is taking bold economic initiatives, as a result of which manufacturing sector has shown improvement. Business Loan scheme for the youth of Pakistan has been launched as we believe youth to be the backbone of national economy. “We intend to convert ‘dependents’ into ‘providers’ through this scheme”, said the Prime Minister.

In reply to another question, the Prime Minister said that “after coming to power we held APC where all parties unanimously decided to bring peace into the country through dialogue”. Dialogue was our first option and we still pursue this option. Though there are obstacles in the way, yet we are trying our best to bring peace in the region.

Prime Minister said that Pakistan urgently requires energy and power to stabilize economy. The Government has initiated hydel power projects that would generate approximately 15,000 MW and is establishing 10 coal based power plants of 6,600 MW. Wind power is another option and we welcome Turkish companies to invest in this sector. “Definitely it will create employment opportunities”, said the Prime Minister. In the field of Infrastructure Development, Government is planning to construct Lahore to Karachi Motorway and China to Gawadar Motorway. Prime Minister invited Turkish companies to invest in these projects too. He further said that Government will set up a Special Economic Zone, where special incentives will be offered to investors. “A modern Islamabad Airport is being built and network of highways are planned and we would encourage Pakistan-Turkey partnership in these projects”, said the Prime Minister.

Please click on the button if you wish to watch the interview as telecast on TRT Turk

PM  Nawaz Sharif's interview with TRT-Turk by PakTurkey

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan attaches special importance to its relations with Turkey. He said this while meeting Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoglo, Foreign Minister of Turkey who called on the Prime Minister at Islamabad on 19 December 2013.

During the meeting views were exchanged on bilateral and regional matters. Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance Pakistan attached to brotherly relations with Turkey.

Turkish Foreign Minister said we will provide all our support in international relations to Pakistan, our brotherly country. Pakistan is a rising economic power and country of future. Pakistan as an economy and stable democracy is on the right track. Turkey would be happy to have a positive role in Pakistan’s rise as an economic power. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan shall be visiting Pakistan with a large group of businessmen to establish close economic ties. Turkey is at your disposal in becoming partners in this road to economic prosperity, the Turkish Foreign Minister added.

Turkish Foreign Minister said that Shahbaz Sharif has made Punjab a success story in last five years. We will extend this shared success of economic cooperation to whole of Pakistan.

Prime Minister said Pakistan and Turkey have a shared vision in regional and global politics. We will make efforts to double the trade with turkey. We encourage investment by Turkish businessmen in Pakistan. We have stable democracy, a vibrant judiciary and proactive media to protect foreign investment, the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Sadik Babur Girgin Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan, Mr. Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to PM and Foreign Secretary were also present during the meeting.

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.

Turkish Ambassador calls on Prime Minister of Pakistan

Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Babur Girgin called on the Prime Minster Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at Prime Minister House Islamabad on 17 December 2013.
The Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to the upcoming visit of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan. The visit would be another landmark in the strategic relations between our brotherly countries, Premier added.
Mr. Nawaz Sharif said that Turkish businessmen who are coming to attend the planned Business Forum in Lahore would further promote the economic ties between our countries. He said that the participation of Businessmen of the two countries in the Business Forum in Istanbul in September has increased the pace of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister also appreciated the interest of the Turkish companies in the economic opportunities available in Pakistan. “We need to seize the momentum”, he added.
The 6th round of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), being held between the two countries, would provide further impetus to the business confidence, PM said.

STEEL CUTTING CEREMONY OF 17,000 TONS FLEET TANKER BEING BUILT FOR PAKISTAN NAVY AT KSEW

 STEEL CUTTING Ceremony of the 17,000 Tons FLEET TANKER, being built for Pakistan Navy, was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works on 27 November 2013.  Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Defence Production graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Turkey,   Vice Admiral M Zakaullah, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Mr. Murad Bayar, Undersecretary Defence Industries Turkey, Lt Gen (R) Tanvir Tahir HI(M), Secretary MoDP, senior Turkish Delegates and other high ranking Civil and Military Officials from Turkey and Pakistan.

Pakistan Navy’s Fleet Tanker will primarily provide logistics support to PN units at sea through transfer of liquid and dry cargo.  The ship will also be able to undertake anti-submarine and anti-surface vessel operations through embarked helicopters. The same helicopters can also be used for search and rescue operations. The ship will be fitted with latest medical facilities to provide medical support to PN fleet units as well as during disaster relief operations. The ship will be able to independently operate at sea for 3 x months. The ship will be capable to transfer stores at sea through 2 x rigs, one on each side plus stern refuelling facility with day night capability.

On the occasion, the honourable Chief Guest appreciated Karachi Shipyard for not only being a profit bearing unit of MoDP but also paying taxes for the last 2 years. He said that during the recent years, KS&EW has delivered various vessels, achieving all construction milestones with international standards of quality along with complete satisfaction of its customers. This reflects the complete revitalization of KS&EW. On behalf of Government of Pakistan, he assured that all shipbuilding orders will be given to KS&EW to help sustain the progress of this organization. He further said that considering the significance of Shipbuilding Industry, establishment of a new shipy

ard with greater ship repair facilities at Gawadar is also under active consideration at the highest level of Government and this project will materialize very soon.

Earlier MD KS&EW, Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah SI(M) in his welcome address thanked MoDP (Government of Pakistan) and especially Pakistan Navy for their continued patronage. He highlighted the brotherly relations with Turkey and said that this everlasting friendship now enters a new era as we together undertake this mega project of building the Fleet Tanker. He further said KS&EW is fully equipped with infrastructure and have highly trained workforce of technicians and engineers who are ready to undertake more challenging project of Fleet Tanker with zeal and energy.

Türkiye ile Pakistan, ortak askerî gemi inşa ediyor

EMRE SONCAN -KARAÇİ  28 Kasım 2013

PAKISTAN SAVUNMA ÜRETIM BAKANLIĞI ILE SAVUNMA TEKNOLOJILERI
MÜHENDISLIK AŞ ARASINDA ORTAK ÜRETIM SÖZLEŞMESI
IMZALANDI. BUNA GÖRE KARAÇI’DEKI BIR TERSANEDE ASKERI
 DENIZ IKMAL TANKERI INŞA EDILECEK.

Pakistan Deniz Kuvvetleri Komutanlığı’nın ihtiyacı olan ve tasarım-ekipman ihalesini Türkiye’nin kazandığı denizde ikmal tankerinin ilk saç kesim töreni Karaçi’de yapıldı.

Geminin inşası, Türk mühendisler tarafından Pakistan’ın Karaçi Tersanesi’nde gerçekleştirilecek. Törende konuşan Savunma Sanayii Müsteşarı Murad Bayar, iki ülkenin şimdiye kadar birçok ortak projeye imza attığını söyledi. Bayar, hem Türkiye hem Pakistan’ın savunma alanında dışa bağımlılığa son vermek için önemli mesafeler kat ettiğini vurguladı. Bayar, ayrıca inşa edilecek geminin Pakistan ordusunun operasyonel kabiliyetlerine de büyük katkı yapacağını dile getirdi. Pakistan Savunma ve Üretim Bakanı Rana Tenvir ise iki ülke arasındaki dostluk ve işbirliğinin altını çizdi. İnşa edilecek geminin önemine dikkat çeken Tenvir, savunma sanayiinde ortak projelere devam etmek istediklerini belirtti. Öte yandan törende Pak-Türk okulları öğrencileri de törende hazır bulundu. Pakistan Savunma Üretim Bakanlığı ile Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik AŞ (STM) arasında imzalanan sözleşme geminin tasarım paketi, malzeme, ekipman, ELD, yedek parça, test ve tecrübelerinin yapılması, tersane ve kullanıcı eğitimleri ile danışmanlık hizmetlerinin verilmesini kapsıyor. Askerî gemi inşası konusunda Pakistan ile Türkiye arasında bir ilk olan bu sözleşme ile savunma ve gemi inşa sanayii alanında özgün bir işbirliği projesi başlatılmış oldu. Denizde İkmal Tankeri Projesi; STM’nin MİLGEM Projesi ile kazandığı tecrübe ve bilgi birikimi ile hayata geçirilecek. Söz konusu geminin inşası ve donanımı Türk mühendis ve uzmanların kontrol ve gözetiminde Pakistan Karaçi Tersanesi tarafından yapılacak. Proje kapsamında Pakistan Deniz Kuvvetleri için dizayn edilen 15.600 tonluk tanker yaklaşık 155 metre boyunda. Tanker, denizde ikmal sistemi (RAS/FAS) ile helikopter iniş/kalkış imkanına sahip olacak ve 20 deniz mili sürat yapabilecek. Proje dört senede tamamlanacak.
Source: Zaman
External Link: http://www.zaman.com.tr/ekonomi_turkiye-ile-pakistan-ortak-askeri-gemi-insa-ediyor_2174029.html

Pakistan parliamentary delegation Turkey visit - Meets with Speaker TGNA, chairmen of parliamentary committees

ANKARA, 15 November 2013: A 16-member parliamentary/opinion leader’s delegation from Pakistan led by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman of Senate Standing Committee on Defence & Defence Production, currently on Turkey visit, met with the Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Mr. Cemil Çiçek (pronounced as Jamil Chichek) and Chairmen of various committees of the Turkish Parliament in Ankara.

The Speaker said Turkey and Pakistan enjoy exemplary relations which go beyond the governments and are rooted in our common history, culture and ethos of our people. He said our special relations should be sustained through more parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people contacts. Mr. Cemil Çiçek mentioned that Turkey-Pakistan Friendship Group is one of the largest groups in TGNA.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed termed Pakistan and Turkey as vibrant democracies. He said that the frequent exchanges of parliamentary delegations between Pakistan and Turkey would provide an opportunity to learn from each other and work together for strengthening of democracies and democratic institutions. He specifically noted the contributions of Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, Chairman of the Turkey-Pakistan Friendship Group in TGNA who was also decorated with Sitara-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his meritorious services.

The Pakistani delegation also met with the Chairman of Plan & Budgetary Committee, and Deputy Chairman of National Defence Committee in the Turkish Parliament.

Pakistan Institute for Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), a Pakistani think-tank, organized the visit with a purpose to understand the evolution and consolidation of democracy in Turkey.

The visiting delegation includes Syed Naveed Qamar (former federal minister for defence and currently member National Assembly), Senator Farhatullah Babar, Senator Mir Hasil Bizenjo (Senior Vice President of National Party), Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani (member National Assembly), Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari (former Minister and member National Assembly) Mrs. Shaista Pervaiz Malik (member National Assembly), Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi (former Deputy Speaker National Assembly), Lt. General (retired) Humayun Bangash (former Ambassador), Mr. Shahid Malik (former Ambassador), Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Moinuddin Haider (former Governor Sindh and former Minister for Interior), Mr. Tasneem Noorani (former Secretary Interior), Mr. Ghazi Salahuddin (senior journalist/analyst), Mr. Cyril Almeida (senior journalist) and Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob (President PILDAT).

More photos of the visit on http://goo.gl/IRVClK

Pakistan parliamentary delegation meets with the Turkish President

ANKARA, 13 November 2013: Turkish President H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gul today received a high level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan led by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence & Defence Production.

 The Turkish President appreciated the smooth transfer of power from one elected government to another elected government as a result of recent elections in Pakistan. He said this is an indication that democracy has strengthened and Pakistan is moving in the right direction. President Gul said both Pakistan and Turkey have similar problems and hoped that like Turkey, Pakistan will also overcome challenges it is facing today. Mr. Gul said recent initiatives undertaken by the leaderships of Turkey and Pakistan in the economic field are yielding positive results.

 Senator Mushahid Hussain conveyed the best wishes of the Parliament and the people of Pakistan. He said Turkey and Pakistan are joined together with deep and abiding bonds of friendship and brotherhood which have withstood the test of times. The Senator said coming to Turkey is like coming home, for him and for all the delegation. He appreciated the positive role of Turkey in the region, particularly Turkish contribution for hosting Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey trilateral summit meetings. He said Turkey has made remarkable progress in the last decade and commended the public welfare oriented policies of the Turkish government.

 “Pakistan Institute for Legislative Development and Transparency” (PILDAT), a Pakistani think-tank, organized the visit with a purpose to undertand the evolution and consolidation of democracy in Turkey. The delegation’s engagements include meetings with Turkish leadership, Speaker and various Parliamentary committees of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, political parties and interaction with leading Turkish think-tanks.  

The visiting delegation includes Syed Naveed Qamar (former federal minister for defence and currently member National Assembly), Senator Farhatullah Babar, Senator Mir Hasil Bizenjo (Senior Vice President of National Party), Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani (member National Assembly), Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari (former Ministr and member National Assembly) Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik (member National Assembly), Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi (former Deputy Speaker National Assembly), Lt. General (retired) Humayun Bangash (former Ambassador to Turkey), Mr. Shahid Malik (former Ambassador), Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Moinuddin Haider (former Governor Sindh and former Federal Minister for Interior), Mr. Tasneem Noorani (former Secretary Interior), Mr. Ghazi Salahuddin (senior journalist/analyst), Mr. Cyril Almeida (senior journalist) and Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob (President PILDAT).

More photos of the visit on http://goo.gl/IRVClK