ISLAMABAD: President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday telephoned Prime Minister Imran Khan and the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and developments in the region, including India-held Kashmir and the ongoing efforts for Afghan peace.

President Erdogan conveyed sympathies and condolences over the loss of precious lives in a recent terrorist incident in Pakistan, a statement issued by the PM Office said.

The prime minister and the Turkish president reviewed progress made in a number of important areas of bilateral cooperation. They noted that bilateral collaboration in diverse fields would be further strengthened during the meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council to be held in Islamabad later this year. The prime minister stated that the government and people of Pakistan were looking forward to President Erdogan’s visit to attend the meeting.

In the regional context, the prime minister apprised President Erdogan of Pakistan’s steadfast support to international efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. He also highlighted the situation in India-held Kashmir.

The two leaders also discussed the Pakistan-Turkey-Malaysia trilateral process and exchanged views on the next steps.

Meanwhile, A visiting delegation of top executives of eight leading Chinese textile companies called on Prime Minister Khan. During the meeting, Mr Khan said his government was committed to providing an enabling environment to investors and business community in undertaking profitable business ventures in the country.

He said the government was focused on improving ease of doing business and implementing policies which encouraged investors to invest in various sectors of economy and avail business opportunities in the country.

The top executives/representatives of the Chinese companies briefed the prime minister on their expertise and evinced keen interest in making investments in the country in various textile-related export sectors.

Meanwhile, MPA Ghazan Khan and former MNA G.G. Jamal called on Prime Minister Khan and anno­unced their decision to join the PTI.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan also met with Prime Minister Khan. The two leaders discussed development projects of the province.

Renowned religious sch­olar and preacher Mau­lana Tariq Jameel also called on Prime Minister Khan.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2019