Pakistani premier embarks on 2-day visit to Turkey

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday embarked on a two-day visit to Turkey, an official statement said.

Khan's first official visit to Turkey, following assuming the office of premier in August 2018, comes at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Planning Minister Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood.

"During his visit, Khan will meet with Turkish President [Recep Tayyip Erdogan] and will discuss the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international situation" the statement further added.

Before departure, Foreign Minister Qureshi said Pakistan and Turkey have excellent political, economic, defense, culture and people-to-people relations and this visit would further strengthen ties between the two brotherly countries.

Speaking to state-run Pakistan Television, he noted Turkey has always supported Pakistan in difficult time and stood by us at all international forums.

"Pakistan and Turkey enjoy historical relations and this visit would further strengthen the ties between Islamabad and Ankara," Qureshi added.

Khan will also address a business forum and hold several meetings with Turkish businessmen and potential investors during his stay in Ankara.