Turkey, Pakistan finalize talks on free trade agreement

By Deniz Cicek Palabiyik

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey and Pakistan on Friday finalized negotiations on free trade agreement and both counties wished to sign the deal at an earliest possible time, Turkish minister of customs and trade said on Friday.

According to a statement, Turkish Minister of Customs and Trade Bulent Tufenkci met Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Muhammad Pervaiz Malik, accompanied by a delegation, at the ministry.

“I believe that trade relations [with Pakistan] will and must boost, thanks to the sincere brotherhood,” Tufenkci added.

He also conveyed the appreciation for Pakistani authorities. “Investment by Turkish firms in Pakistan increases day by day. In this context, we are pleased to observe the support of Pakistani authorities to Turkish entrepreneurs.”

He underscored the “importance” Turkey gives to a proposed regional trade corridor linking Islamabad, Tehran and Istanbul.

Turkey's minister also praised Pakistan for its support against Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), which orchestrated the defeated coup attempt of July 15, 2016.

For his part, Malik also emphasized the deep-rooted relations with Turkey.

“We have relations dating back to old times and share common grounds,” the statement quoted Pakistani minister as saying.