President Zardari will hold talks with Turkish President Abdullah Gul – File Photo

ANKARA: President Asif Ali Zardari will arrive in Turkish capital Ankara on Monday on a four-day official visit to give fresh impetus to the growing ties with Turkey and discuss infrastructure, communication and energy projects with top Turkish leadership.

According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Tehmina Janjua, recent developments in the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf are also expected to be discussed in consultations between leadership of the two countries.

The Turkish government is also helping Pakistan in post-flood rehabilitation efforts by constructing schools, hospitals and destroyed infrastructure in affected areas.

Turkey has carved an important role for itself by facilitating leadership of Pakistan and Afghanistan to hold regular meetings to build trust and mutual understanding and form a joint strategy against terrorism to secure lasting peace and regional stability.

President Zardari will look for ways to strengthen the institutional arrangements including the High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC), which according to Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan is a forum for direct interaction between cabinets of the two countries.

During earlier meetings, leaders of the two countries have reached agreements for enhancing cooperation in areas of transport, agriculture, health, housing, telecommunication, energy, education and media.

During the visit, the president will be awarded highest Turkish State Order Medal Devlet Nishan at a special investiture ceremony and he will pay his respects at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

The President will also hold meetings with Turkish businessmen and members of think-tanks, academia and media.