Pak, Turkey agrees to bolster bilateral ties to next level

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday held talks with Turkish President Erdogan and agreed to transform their special relation into a strong strategic part.

Addressing a joint press conference with Erdogan after the meeting, Sharif said, "We have no doubt that Turkey would continue to march forward on the path of peace, progress and prosperity under President Erdogans charismatic leadership."

"Increased trade must be the nucleus of the robust economic relation we envision," the Dawn quoted Sharif as saying.

Appreciating Turkey's support to Pakistan for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership, Sharif said that it had "strengthened Pakistan's position."

"We believe that our close relationship serves as a stability factor in the region," he said.

Stating that "2017 marks the 70th year of Pak-Turkey diplomatic relations," Sharif added, it will be celebrated in a "befitting manner."

Turkish President Erdogan said it has been "5 years period since the establishment of the high level strategic council by him, when he was the prime Minister of the country.

He said turkey will host the fifth summit of the council in a short period of time.

Erdogan said, "We are aiming to conclude free trade agreement before 2017."

The Turkish President also expressed his hopes that Pakistan and Afghanistan will increase their cooperation.