Pakistan
President Alvi stresses need for increased cooperation with Turkey in various fields
There are abundant prospects to magnify Pakistan-Turkey cooperation in various sectors including trade, defence and culture, Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi said, adding that the country will continue to strengthen bilateral relations with Turkey.
In a statement issued by the Presidential Palace (Aiwan-e-Sadr), President Alvi underlined the need for increased cooperation with Turkey in various fields for the mutual benefits of the two ''brotherly'' countries.
"Both brotherly countries enjoyed exemplary cooperation which needed to be further cemented in the areas of trade and defence," the Pakistani President said during his meeting with the visiting commander of the Turkish Land Forces, Gen. Ümit Dündar.
Expressing satisfaction over the existing level of bilateral relations, President Alvi said the agreement on military training cooperation between the two countries will further deepen military cooperation.
He also praised his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan for his contribution to the economic prosperity of his country and promoting unity among Muslim communities across the world.
Alvi also appreciated Turkey for its support for Islamabad in several regional and international matters, particularly on Kashmir and the Financial Action Task Force.
On the ocassion, Pakistan State Head lauded Dündar's efforts to strengthen ties between the forces and congratulated him on receiving the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) military award.
Dündar, for his part, said Pakistan and Turkey are inseparable due to their long history of cooperation based on shared faith, values and historical ties.
He noted that the Turkish people regard Pakistanis as brothers and stressed the importance of increasing collaboration in all areas, particularly in defence.
Highlighting the current situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, the president said that Indian forces are committing atrocities against the people of Kashmir, especially after the revocation of the special status of disputed territory in August 2019.
He urged the international community to play its role to resolve the Kashmir issue under the U.N. Security Council resolutions.
He reiterated Pakistan's concern about India's involvement in ''terrorism'' activities through Afghanistan.
"India was behind terrorism in Pakistan by providing training and funding to militants and terrorist elements," he said, adding that the recent terrorist incident in Lahore had been carried out with India's support.
The president also expressed concern about the apathy and silence of the international community regarding the incidents of illegal uranium trade in India.
The Turkish general also expressed gratitude to the president for the award.
Earlier, President Arif Alvi awarded Dündar with the award at a special investiture ceremony which was attended by prominent military and government figures.