ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkey reaffirmed the strategic dimension of bilateral relations as Nawaz Sharif and Binali Yildrim co-chaired the 5th session of the Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Ankara. Established in 2009, the HLSCC serves as a framework for consultations between the two sides and consists of six joint working groups (JWGs) in the areas of energy; trade; banking and finance; education; communications and railways; and culture and tourism. So far, 60 agreements/MoUs have been signed under the HLSCC framework in various areas. The deliberations covered the entire gamut of Turkey-Pakistan bilateral relations and exchange of views on regional and international issues. Specifically, the two sides reviewed progress on issues relating to the six JWGs under HLSCC and expressed satisfaction at the significant progress achieved under the mechanism. The two countries agreed to prioritize cooperation in the energy sector, including in the fields of renewable energy; increase bilateral trade and investment; enhance collaboration in the banking and finance; benefit from mutual expertise in the area of education and promote cooperation between the higher education institutions; reinforce the ongoing collaboration in the fields of communications and railways; and promote culture and tourism through increased people-to-people contacts. The two sides also agreed to complete the work on developing a comprehensive, long-term and forward-looking framework for defence cooperation and enhance partnership between the defence industries of the two countries. They also expressed satisfaction at their existing close cooperation at regional and multi-lateral fora, including on United Nations Security Council reform process and issues pertaining to global non-proliferation agenda. The joint declaration on Turkey-Pakistan Strategic Relationship for Peace and Prosperity issued at the end of the meeting inter alia condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Turkey; expressed firm resolve to fight the common threats faced by both countries; reaffirmed mutual support on issues of core national interest; and agreed to intensify collaboration in diverse fields. Earlier, Nawaz had a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Binali Yildrim during which he expressed gratitude for the steadfast and principled support of Turkey for the Kashmir cause. He also reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the July 15, 2016 coup-attempt in Turkey and paid tributes to the sacrifices, bravery and resilience of the Turkish people in the defence of Turkish democracy and democratic institutions. He also held a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 22 during which the leaders reaffirmed the abiding, historic, and unparalleled fraternal ties between the two sides and reiterated their resolve to continue transforming this deep-rooted relationship to utilize the untapped economic and trade potential for the benefit and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries. Nawaz thanked Erdogan for Turkey’s unequivocal and firm support for the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiris and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He emphasised that enhancing economic relations between the two countries remained a core priority and hoped that the remaining technicalities with respect to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be completed soon. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm and resolute determination to fight the common threat posed by terrorism and to root out the menace. Issues pertaining to regional and international situation also came under discussion during the meeting. The prime minister visited the Turkish Parliament to witness the section of parliament bombed on the night the coup-attempt. Nawaz also visited the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal to pay homage to the founder of the Turkish republic. He lauded the visionary leadership and great statesmanship of Ataturk and noted that Ataturk was an inspiration for the freedom-loving people of the world, including the founding fathers of Pakistan.