Ankara, Jan 20: Pakistan and Turkey today signed an anti-terrorist cooperation deal along with agreements on expanding business ties at the start of visit by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
"Turkey and Pakistan are determined to efficiently maintain their joint stance against terrorism. We support the steps that my dear brother has taken against terrorism and extremism," Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer told a news conference held jointly with Musharraf.
The anti-terrorist agreement covers the exchange of information and experts, Musharraf, who is in Turkey for a three-day visit, said for his part.
In addition to the anti-terrorist cooperation deal, officials signed agreements on economic partnership and preferential trade, along with accords touching on the banking and health sectors.
"I'm sure these agreements will strengthen and fortify the already close and brotherly relations between Turkey and Pakistan," Musharraf said.
The Pakistan President, who was making his first visit abroad since two attempts on his life last month by Islamist extremists, said they also discussed regional issues, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus, along with recent developments in relations between his country and India.
"We agreed that overcoming the problems of Iraq and Afghanistan is of vital importance for the stability of our regions," Sezer said for his part.
Bureau Report