Daily Times

ANKARA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday arrived in the Turkish capital to participate in the 5th session of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).

Turkish Minister for Youth Ahmad Akif Cagatay Kilic received the premier at the Esenboga International Airport.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey Sohail Mahmood was also present.

The premier was accompanied by his wife Kalsoom Nawaz, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir and PM’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi.

The premier was presented a guard of honour and salute by a contingent of the Turkish guards. Children attired in traditional dresses presented bouquets to him.

The premier, along with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim, will co-chair the 5th session of the HLSCC.

A joint declaration will be issued at the conclusion of the meeting and a number of agreements/MoUs are expected to be signed.

The premier will also hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on bilateral, regional and international issues.

He will also visit the Turkish Parliament to reaffirm Pakistan’s unequivocal support and solidarity with the government and the people of Turkey against the failed coup attempt in Turkey last year.