PM Shehbaz appreciates strategic cooperation between Pakistan, Turkey

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday appreciated the deep-rooted strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in all fields including shipbuilding, engineering, solid waste management, and transport, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said.

According to the statement, the Minister of National Defence of Turkey Hulusi Akar held delegation-level talks with PM Shehbaz.

The PM also thanked the government and the people of Turkey for their unwavering support of the Pakistani stance on the Kashmir issue at all international forums.

Extending his heartfelt gratitude to the Turkish government and its people for their strong commitment to helping Pakistan develop robust institutions like Karachi Shipyard which has been transformed into a profit-earning organisation over the years due to Turkish support, PM Shehbaz directed the authorities concerned to benefit from Turkish expertise and experience in all possible avenues.

Minister for Defence Production Israr Tarin, Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Shah, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Strategic and Political Communication Syed Fahad Hussain and other senior officers concerned also attended the meeting.

'Pakistanis, Turks are one nation'

Addressing the launch ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s third MILGEM project of Corvettes ships, PM Shehbaz said: “PNS Bahadur is the best example of Pakistan-Turkey partnership".

Expressing his honour, the premier said that the movement to take Pakistan-Turkey relations to new heights has begun. “Pakistanis and Turks are one nation living in two different countries,” he said, adding that the construction of ships during the period of coronavirus is a great achievement for both the countries.

“Turkey will soon play a major role in Pakistan’s development and prosperity,” the premier said, highlighting that Turkey has always been a staunch supporter of Pakistan during natural disasters.

Regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), PM Shehbaz said that the CPEC project is “very important” for the development of regional ties.

Inauguration ceremony

The ships being inaugurated today were built under an agreement between the Ministry of Defense Production and Turkey.

Two corvettes’ ships are being built in Pakistan while two will be built in Turkey. These four corvettes are currently in various stages of completion.

According to reports, the addition of these ships will enhance the military and operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy.