- Suggests Turkiye to join CPEC for regional progress
- Calls for joint production of solar, wind and hydel energy to cut carbon emission
- Appreciates ‘visionary leadership’ of President Erdogan
ISTANBUL: Accompanied by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday launched the third of the four MILGEM Corvette Ships for the Pakistan Navy, PNS Khyber, at the Istanbul Shipyard.
Addressing the launching ceremony, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the launch of the ship manifested deep bilateral engagement between the two countries in defence cooperation.
The prime minister said it was high time the two countries transformed their ties into a strategic partnership as the world was “envious” of the relationship between two brotherly countries.
While citing huge potential in the field of alternate energy in both countries, he called for Turkey and Pakistan to join hands for the production of solar, wind and hydel energy to cut the carbon emission and open up new avenues of investment cooperation.
PM @CMShehbaz and Turkish President Tayyep Erdogan jointly launched combat ship PNS Khyber, induction of MILGEM warships into Pak Navy arsenal will augment Pakistan's efforts to maintain peace in the region. #PMShehbazinTurkey pic.twitter.com/scJQAlEe24
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) November 25, 2022
On his arrival at the venue, the Turkish president welcomed the prime minister who was accompanied by a high-level delegation.
The prime minister was given a guard of honour and national anthems of both the countries were also played.
The MILGEM project, based on joint collaboration between the two countries, represents a significant milestone in the Pakistan-Türkiye strategic partnership that continues to progress on an upward trajectory.
The launching ceremony for the first Corvette for the Pakistan Navy, PNS Babur, was performed in Istanbul in August 2021 while the groundbreaking for the Second Ship, PNS Badr, was held at Karachi in May 2022.
Group photo of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, dignitaries from both Pakistan and Turkiye during launching ceremony of PNS Khyber, a MILGEM Class Corvette, built by M/s ASFAT (Istanbul- 25 November 2022).#PMShehbazinTurkiye pic.twitter.com/gte6YlZRwx
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 25, 2022
Calling Turkiye his “second home” the prime minister recalled the support extended by the people of Pakistan at the time when Turkiye was fighting for freedom.
He said while supporting the Turkish people, our forefathers never knew that Turkey would stand by Pakistan through thick and thin and all international platforms instead, they had done so out of their religious brotherhood.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing the launching ceremony of PNS Khyber, the third of four MILGEM Corvette Ships, in Istanbul on 25 November, 2022#PMShehbazinTurkiye pic.twitter.com/6NkcPUfZDs
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 25, 2022
He appreciated the “visionary leadership” of President Erdogan, the prime minister said he had transformed Turkiye into a modern society. He also spoke highly of the social welfare projects executed by the Turkish government even in far-flung areas besides transforming the agriculture and industrial sectors.
PM Shehbaz accompanied byTurkish PresidentTayyip Erdogan was accorded guard of honour at the launching ceremony of Milgem Corvette ships, reflecting concrete example of Pakistan-Türkiye partnership which transcends conventional ties and diplomatic niceties. #PMShehbazinTurkey pic.twitter.com/vnHCOCM52M
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) November 25, 2022
The prime minister also urged the defence experts from both sides to enhance their defence production capacity with a view to strengthening cooperation for peace in the region.
He appreciated the role of President Erdogan in brokering a deal between Russia and Ukraine for wheat export for the benefit of developing countries like Pakistan.
He told the gathering that Pakistan was recently hit by one of the most devastating floods and within no time, Turkiye sent 13 goods trains carrying 72,000 tons of humanitarian goods and 15 Turkey military aircraft carrying food, tent, medicines and medical teams.
PM suggests Turkiye to join CPEC for regional progress
Addressing a joint press stakeout along with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan here, PM Shehbaz Sharif suggested that Turkiye should join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to bring about regional prosperity, alleviate poverty and empower the people through better education and health facilities.
LIVE #APPNews : Joint Press Stakeout by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan #PMShehbazInTurkiye
— APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) November 25, 2022
The prime minister said Pakistan had been “experiencing and enjoying” the benefits of the CPEC under the Belt and Road Initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“I would suggest that let this be a cooperation between China, Pakistan and Turkiye. This would be a wonderful joint cooperation. This will bring prosperity and progress to this entire region. This will help alleviate poverty and unemployment. This will certainly empower our poor people. This will promote education and health. This is how we can meet the challenges of today,” the prime minister remarked.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif being received by Turkish President H.E Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Presidential Palace Istanbul on 25 November 2022. pic.twitter.com/rOcu2QZpWI
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 25, 2022
He said that he would be “happy” to discuss the matter with the Chinese leadership if Turkiye moved ahead on the idea of joining the CPEC.
Lauding President Erdogan’s warm hospitality, the prime minister started his remarks by conveying condolences over the loss of life in a recent terror incident in Istanbul and prayed for peace of the departed souls.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif holds a joint Press Conference along with Turkish President H.E Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. #PMShehbazInTurkiye pic.twitter.com/ftK1iMYG0x
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 25, 2022
The prime minister said at a time when the tensions were escalating in the world and the international prices of commodities were skyrocketing and going beyond the reach of developing countries, so it was important to take the defence cooperation to a higher level for defence of the two brotherly countries.
He said Pakistan and Turkiye’s defence cooperation should now meet new challenges and have a much bigger scale in terms of skills, expertise and cooperation.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said in their meeting the two leaders underscored the effective implementation of the trade and goods agreement the two countries had signed in August this year.
He said the trade volume of $1 billion between Pakistan and Turkiye did not reflect the brotherly relations and called for all-out efforts to achieve the target of $5 billion dollar trade.
In his remarks, Turkish president Erdogan said that both countries were hopeful of further increasing their relations in trade, defence and other sectors.
PM Shehbaz said having sacrificed thousands of lives to terrorism, Pakistan could understand the feeling of the Turkish people and called for joint efforts to wipe out terrorism in all forms and manifestations, not only from Pakistan and Turkiye but the whole world.
He said Turkiye fully supported Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and thanked Pakistan for supporting Turkiye against the terrorist act of the Fatih organisation.
He said 2022 marked the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Expressing grief over the deaths and destruction caused by floods, the Turkish president said, “Our solidarity has been shown to each other during challenging times… Pakistan’s joy is our joy and their grief is our grief.”
‘Call for enhancing Pak-Turk trade relations’
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for enhancing trade relations between Pakistan and Turkey, applauding Turkey’s support amid devastating floods in the country.
Addressing the participants of an event in Istanbul, the PM said that he is really glad to visit his ‘second home’.
The PM added that Turkey has supported Pakistan at every international forum and in hours of need. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is a far-sighted leader, and Turkey has become a welfare state under his leadership, the PM added.
Shehbaz Sharif added that Turkey provided over 72,000 ton of relief goods amid flood in Pakistan. In the past, the Turkish President and his wife have visited flood-affected areas, he added.
No power in the world can weaken Pakistan-Turkey relations, he added. He added that Pakistan is working towards cheap and sustainable sources of energy.
Pakistan and Turkey will have to work together toward renewable energy and climate goals, he added. The PM invited Turkish investors to invest in Pakistan. The PM urged for the enhancement of trade relations between the two countries.
‘Bilateral ties enter new era of ‘strategic partnership’’
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Turkiye on Friday on the two-day official visit at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Istanbul Turkiye for his two-day official visit. Dy Governor Istanbul, Turk Civil Military officials and diplomats of Pakistani Mission & Counsalate recieved Prime Minister upon his arrival at the Istanbul Airport. pic.twitter.com/9lYd1qqQXG
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 25, 2022
At the Istanbul International Airport, the prime minister and his high-level delegation were received by the Deputy Governor of Istanbul and senior officials of the government of Turkiye.
In a tweet soon after arrival, the prime minister said the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkiye had entered a new era of strategic partnership under the leadership of President Erdogan.
“We are on the course to unpack the full untapped potential of the relationship,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said being in Turkey he felt like being at home and added that he was overwhelmed by the warmth of the Turkish brothers and sisters.
‘Launch of third MILGEM manifested brotherhood’
Earlier, Pakistani Minister for Defence Production Israr Tareen said the launch of the third MILGEM manifested brotherhood and strong defence collaboration.
He appreciated the Turkish Navy and Istanbul Shipyard for ensuring the project’s completion within the timeframe.
He told the audience that Pakistan was blessed with immense resources and ongoing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was set to enhance regional connectivity and maximize trade with Gwadar Port being a focal point.
