Prime Minister Imran Khan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad after the two countries signed memorandums of understandings (MoUs) for cooperation in various areas.
In his speech, Prime Minister Imran thanked Erdogan on the country’s behalf for speaking up to raise the Kashmir issue.
He noted that at least eight million Kashmiris are under Indian siege, while Kashmiri leaders are being put in jail. “They have no rights, they are living in fear,” he added.
Defining moment in #PakTurkFriendship that will lead us to a new era:
The Plenary Session of 6th Round of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) being Co-chaired by Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI and Turkish President @RTErdogan pic.twitter.com/dO8pL6Reow
— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 14, 2020
The premier reiterated that Kashmir is a disputed territory according to UN resolutions.
He said through timelines, the cooperation being carried out between Pakistan and Turkey will benefit both the countries.
Prime Minister Imran noted that besides Kashmir, Turkey had supported Pakistan on the issue of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as well. He said the two countries “stand together” when it comes to strategic international issues.
“Our cooperation apart from politics is necessary because they (Turkey) have an advanced film industry. We want to develop content with them to address Islamophobia so that we can take a stand against the incorrect portrayal of Muslims,” the premier said.
President Erdogan in his speech said with his ongoing trip, he had the pleasure of visiting Pakistan after three years again. He said he saw the country as “our second home”.
He thanked Prime Minister Imran and the authorities for the hospitality extended to the Turkish delegation.
He said the holding of Strategic Cooperation Council meeting was one of the most important symbols of the Pak-Turk friendship.
Earlier, the MoUs signing ceremony was witnessed by Turkish President Erdogan, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, and Prime Minister Imran.
It came after the conclusion of the plenary session of the 6th round of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad.
According to state broadcaster PTV, the MoUs signed between the two countries concern cooperation in the fields of tourism and culture, food security, postal services, railways, military training, trade, etc. An agreement was also signed for cooperation between the state-owned Turkish Radio and Television corporation (TRT) and PTV and Radio Pakistan.
