ISLAMABAD: While addressing the Pakistan-Turkey Business Forum on Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif paid tribute to the ties between the two nations, stating that both countries share a ‘joint destiny’.

“Words cannot do justice to the special bond between Turkey and Pakistan, we are bound together by our common faith and culture, we share a distinct sense of a joint destiny,” the PM said.

The gathering was attended by the visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as well as Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

The premier also commended the business forum for its work to enhance socio-economic development in both Pakistan and Turkey.

“I welcome all of you to this forum; I welcome Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and am confident this initiative will create new avenues for trade between Pakistan and Turkey as well as helping the economic growth of both countries,” Nawaz said.

The PM told the forum that both countries have struggled and made great sacrifices for democracy adding that it was a proud moment that two democratically elected governments were working to enhance economic ties.

“Today a multi-track engagement is working on socio-economic spheres. We intend to create an investment friendly environment in Pakistan,” he said.

The premier also addressed the security situation in Pakistan and stated that the country was facing difficult times, but would emerge stronger.

“I am aware of the huge challenges facing our country. We are fighting a war on terror and even though it will be difficult, I am confident victory will be ours,’ he said.

The prime minister also credited Ishaq Dar with helping to stabalise the economy and putting it on the path to recovery.

“Our economy has started to bounce back within the first twenty months of our government. The Pakistani rupee has not only stabalised but improved… Our stock markets are breaking records daily,” Nawaz said.

He also said that efforts were being made to overcome the energy shortage in the country, which he stated would help boost investor confidence.

“We are working hard to overcome gas shortages. The public sector and private sector is working in extracting coal and natural gas for energy supply to electricity plants,” he said.

“Energy projects are also in the process are being built, which we want to complete by 2017,” the prime minister said.

Pakistan, Turkey sign 11 agreements, MoUs

Earlier today, the prime minister had said that Pakistan and Turkey are indispensable partners working assiduously to promote peace and prosperity for their people and the region.

He said this while addressing the 4th meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad along with the visiting Turkish PM.

The premier said Pakistan-Turkey relationship is unparalleled in inter-state relations. The special ties have flourished due to successive generations of leaders in the two countries, he said.

He expressed gratitude over the strong and spontaneous support extended by the Turkish leadership and people following the Peshawar school attack.

Addressing the meeting, Davutoglu said Turkey-Pakistan relationship is exemplary.

He said there are no countries who feel they have common destiny like Pakistan and Turkey.He added that Turkish and Pakistani leaders have been visiting each other's countries but now these visits have been systemised.

The meeting also discussed ways and means to enhance cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields including economy, trade, energy, communications, education, culture and tourism.

Earlier, both leaders held a one-on-one meeting which was followed by delegation-level talks.

Pakistan and Turkey also signed eleven addition agreements and MoUs to strengthen their relations in different areas.

These included one agreement, five protocols, three MoUs, one additional protocol and a Joint Declaration to strengthen their strategic relationship.

Pakistan, Turkey agree to enhance bilateral cooperation

Pakistan and Turkey have also agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and security.

The consensus emerged during a meeting between Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif and Davutoglu in Islamabad.

"Matters related to regional and bilateral security and defence cooperation came under discussion," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a short statement after the meeting.

The Turkish prime minister lauded the success achieved by Pakistan security forces in their fight against terrorism.

Later in the day, the Turkish prime minister will call upon President Mamnoon Hussain, who will also host a dinner in honour of the visiting dignitary and the accompanying delegation.

President Mamnoon Hussain is expected to confer a civil award upon the visiting dignitary at the banquet which is to be held at the presidency.

Davutoglu on Tuesday arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit to hold talks with Pakistan’s political and military leadership on bilateral affairs.

This is the Turkish prime minister’s first visit to Pakistan since taking office in August last year.A high-level delegation, including several cabinet ministers and government officials, has also accompanied him.

The Turkish premier is also joined by a representative delegation of Turkey’s top businessmen