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Turkish army chief meets Asif Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Commander of Turkish Armed Forces, General Ilker Basbug, on Wednesday met President Asif Ali Zardari at the President’s House. Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani, Secretary General to the President Salman Farooqui, senior government officials, the Turkish ambassador in Islamabad and members of the Turkish commander’s delegation attended.

Talking to reporters, the president’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the Zardari welcomed the visiting general and said Pakistan looked forward to Turkish prime minister’s upcoming visit and the signing of a strategic framework agreement for cooperation between the two countries.The president reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to fighting militancy. Babar said the president told Basbug that the government was also planning long-term measures for the eradication of militancy through economic development, the construction of reconstruction opportunity zones and reforming the madrassa system.

Babar said the president also affirmed Pakistan’s support for a just solution of the Cyprus issue and appreciated continued Turkish support to Pakistan on various issues. General Basbug thanked Zardari for his hospitality, saying Turkey valued close relations with Pakistan. He said he had been impressed by Pakistan’s success against the Taliban in Swat. app

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