Joint meeting of Presidents of Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan with Turkish Prime Minister

Ankara; December 12, 2012: President Asif Ali Zardari, Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Afghan President Hamid Karzai had joint meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Reccep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the 7^thTrilateral Summit at the Cankaya Presidential Palace, Ankara today.

President Asif Ali Zardari while appreciating the Turkish leadership for the constructive role in regional peace and stability said that ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan and the wider region is a matter of urgent priority for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey. He said that our presence at the Trilateral Summit meeting reflects our collective desire to contribute towards shared objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
The President said that Pakistan firmly believe that peace and stability in Afghanistan is in our own national interest and therefore Pakistan support all efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Highlighting the importance of Connectivity in the economic integration, President Zardari urged the need for greater linkages and initiating more connectivity projects like Gul train besides enhanced routes for trade which he said was crucial for regional progress and prosperity.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan assured that Turkey would continue to play its constructive role and contribute towards peace and development in Afghanistan and in the wider region.
Later Turkish President Abdullah Gul hosted lunch for his Pakistani and afghan counterparts and the accompanying delegations.

Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Foreign Minister, Mr. Arbab Alamgir. Minister for Communication, Mr. Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, minister of state for interior, Mr. Hamid Yar Hiraj, Minister of State and Chairman ERRA, General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kayani, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Zaheer-ul-Islam, DG, ISI, Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, Foreign Secretary, Mr. Muhammad Arif Azeem, Khawaja Muhammad Siddique Akbar, secretary interior and Ambassador Muhammad Haroon Shaukat were also present during the lunch.