By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Turkey need a more deep and wider relationship in trade, economy and defence to ensure prosperity of their people and for peace and stability in the region, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said.
The Turkish minister who was on a two-day visit to Pakistan, the first by any FM, after the new coalition government came into power in Islamabad, said both the countries were encouraging cooperation between their private sectors in all areas.
“We are encouraging our firms to exert further efforts to increase level of cooperation in defence,” Babacan said in an exclusive interview with APP.
He said the current level of trade still does not reflect the existing potential between the two countries. Babacan said though the trade volume between the two countries had risen to 690 million dollars over five years, but there was a wide potential to push it up to US one billion dollars in next two years, with the assistance from their private sectors.
“We must encourage our businessmen to enhance their trade related activities and the two countries must create a business-friendly environment for them,” he said.
The Turkish FM said Pakistan was a capable country, having the strength to overcome all the challenges facing it, when asked about expectations of his country from the new government.
Babacan expressed confidence that the Pakistani nation will exhibit strong national solidarity for a bright future of their country.
Ali Babacan vowing that “Turkey will continue to stand by Pakistan in all its endeavours” and added that the two countries have a unique relationship and their mutual feelings of affection stems from the deep roots they have in history.
“Turkey is determined to carry this on for the generations to come.” he said.
He described his discussions with Pakistani leaders; including President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other officials as “fruitful” and was optimist that the friendly ties will continue to flourish in future.
He said the strategic dialogue mechanism, launched by the two countries on Saturday, will help the two countries translate “their political mutual will into some concrete projects.”
Babacan said there were no areas left, where the two countries were not cooperating, but expressed determination to continue working towards achieving their full potential.
About his meeting with President Pervez Musharraf, the Turkish Foreign Minister said he conveyed good wishes of President Abdullah Gull and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He said the follow up of President Abdullah Gul’s state visit to Pakistan was discussed.
He also appreciated the successful holding of the general election in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“We appreciate President Musharraf’s role and contribution to make the February election a success for democracy in Pakistan,” Babacan said.
The foreign minister said the second Turkey-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral summit meeting, being hosted by Turkey soon, also came up for discussion, besides covering important regional and global issues.
He said the security situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan were closely interrelated. “We have the privilege of being one of the few countries enjoying full confidence of both the countries,” and added that his country will serve as a facilitator.
He said both the countries have the “political will” to collaborate with each other and pointed that the first meeting between the two foreign ministers today contributed in the creation of the much needed atmosphere of trust and cooperation.
“We are ready to offer our facilities and well known Turkish hospitality to the leaders of both the brotherly countries for further meetings,” he said.
“We are hoping to organize the second tripartite summit whenever the three countries find suitable,” he added.
Asked about his views on the current wave of “Islamophobia”, Babacan termed it a “serious challenge” placing it next to discrimination, racism and xenophobia.
“We believe that acts, like the recent cartoons and films offending Islam and Quran serve no other purpose than inflaming hatred. Freedom of expression is fundamental human right, however it comes with a responsibility,” he added.
He said after 9/11 the word Islam is too frequently being equated with terrorism, radicalism, extremism and violence. “This should be altogether avoided,” he said and added “Islam is all about peace.”
He said no religion, or authority; whether church, mosque or synagogue should preach violence. An extremist can come from different religions, no violence shall be tolerated , whatever the rhetoric behind it.
He mentioned the new initiative of Turkey and Spain; Alliance of civilizations with more than 60 countries as its members, including 12 international organizations.
The Alliance of Civilizations (AoC) aims to improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions and, to help counter the forces that fuel polarization and extremism.
Referring to continuous political polarization between the West and the Islamic world, the Turkish Foreign Minister said OIC can play active role in order to avoid any confrontation that would emanate from this polarization.
“The OIC has the potential to undertake a major role to develop mutual respect, tolerance and understanding between different cultures through dialogue,” he added.
He said Turkey will host its second meeting in Istanbul in early 2009 and has asked the countries that are friends of the alliance to come up with their individual plans.
“This will contribute to enhance inter-faith and inter-culture dialogue,” he added.