Pakistan and Turkey to deepen bilateral cooperation in Agriculture sector

Ankara: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Sohail Mahmood called on Turkish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Mr. Mehmet Mehdi Eker at his office in Ankara.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted the progress being made on ongoing Pakistan-Turkey projects in the agriculture sector and highlighted the prospects for enhanced, mutually-beneficial collaboration in diverse fields. In particular, he noted the possibilities in the areas of seed development, livestock, agro-based industries, and food processing. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also underlined the importance of regular exchanges of experts and academics in related fields to intensify cooperation in the agreed areas.

Minister Mehdi Eker warmly welcomed Ambassador Mahmood on his assignment in Turkey and reaffirmed his support for the efforts to deepen mutual collaboration in agriculture and livestock sectors. Minister Eker added that the 2nd Meeting of the Agricultural Steering Committee, established under the “Protocol on Agricultural Cooperation” signed in 2004, to be held in Ankara on 16 April 2015, would be instrumental in promoting bilateral cooperation in the desired direction.

It was agreed to maintain close contact to follow-up on the decisions taken at the 4^th High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Islamabad in February 2015, as part of joint endeavors to build a strong economic partnership.