ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye have decided to take volume of their bilateral trade to five billion dollars. Understanding came at delegation level talks between two countries here.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistani delegation while Turkish side was led by its Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Later addressing joint news conference along with Turkish Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar said two countries are also planning to hold next session of Pakistan Turkiye High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in near future. He said this Council meeting will carry out comprehensive review of ongoing cooperation as well as bilateral strategic economic framework.

He said there is also history of Pakistan-Turkiye collaboration in defence related projects. We are working on various joint ventures and continue to support each other to defend our territorial sovereignty and in fight against terrorism. He said two countries have always supported each other on core issues and assisted during natural calamities. Expressing his gratitude to Turkiye for its firm and consistent support to oppressed people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan will continue to support legitimate struggle of people of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Turkish Foreign Minister said Pakistan is our strategic partner and our cooperation supports the regional peace and stability. He said this is an unshakeable friendship and brotherhood rooted in history. He said Turkiye stands by Pakistan in their fight against terrorism. Describing his meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as fruitful, Turkish Foreign Minister said two sides have taken principle decision to strengthen their relations not only in trade, but also in defense, investment, banking, science and technology.