PM Erdogan holds official talks in Pakistan

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan over the weekend for official talks. Speaking at a joint press conference after meeting with Erdogan, Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Turkey and Pakistan are strategic partners with similar views on various global and regional issues. Stressing that both countries strongly condemn all forms of terrorism and extremism, Gilani said that they will continue to seek ways to improve bilateral cooperation against terrorism. For his part, Erdogan said that Pakistan and Turkey have collaborated in difficult times throughout their histories. Stating that terrorism has no religion, nation, race or country, Erdogan said the two countries share a will to create a joint platform to fight terrorism, adding that the Turkish and Pakistani intelligence agencies cooperate to tackle terrorist threats. Asked about Turkish military contributions in Afghanistan, Erdogan said Turkey would not send more troops there. "We currently have around 1,700-1,800 troops there and have no plans to send more," he said. During Erdogan's visit, a number of agreements were signed between the two countries, including ones on intensified cooperation and collaboration, a new office of the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) in Pakistan, and cooperation between the Turkish Foreign Ministry's Education Center and Pakistan's Foreign Ministry Academy. Addressing a meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey CEO Forum, Erdogan stressed the unity and solidarity between the two nations, adding that their friendship is a good example for all nations around the world. On the global economic crisis, Erdogan said that he believes the crisis can be overcome only through enhanced cooperation and solidarity among world countries. On the government's democratic initiative to solve one of the country's longstanding issues, Erdogan said, "When this project of unity is successfully completed, Turkey will emerge as a key regional and global power. If Turkey can get rid of social problems that have persisted for decades, our economy will have new opportunities, and this process will have a key role in enabling Turkey to make economic breakthroughs in the years to come." Erdogan said military, commercial, and cultural relations between Pakistan and Turkey should be strengthened and that both sides have the necessary will to do this. "Our trade volume of $742 million should be raised to $5 billion," he said. "There should be mutual visa exemptions for our businesspeople to boost bilateral economic and trade ties." After wrapping up his talks in Pakistan, Erdogan proceeded to Tehran to hold official talks as the official guest of Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi.