ISLAMABAD: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed vowed to initiate practical steps for cooperation between railway sectors of Pakistan and Turkey during the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
During a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, who called on him at the Ministry of Railways on Friday, the two sides discussed further enhancement of Pakistan-Turkey partnership in railway projects.
“The present government is developing Pakistan Railways on modern lines,” the minister maintained adding that the entity would benefit from Turkish experience in the sector.
Extending an invite to Turkish railway companies for joint ventures, he aimed to upgrade the Main Line-II, Main Line-III and Quetta-Taftan railway passage.
Apart from this, Rashid offered the Turkish government partnership in locomotive factory, Risalpur and promised complete support in this regard from the department.
He termed it a matter of pleasure that private Turkish companies were expressing keen interest in the tenders issued for procurement of bogies to facilitate passenger and freight trains.
The minister thanked the government of Turkey and its people for supporting Pakistan’s stance in the ongoing tension between Pakistan and India. With ‘five-star’ facilities, 20 new trains to be launched this year
“Pakistan and Turkey are enjoying strong and cordial relations based on religious bonding and the two countries are standing beside each other,” he added. “Turkey is fully capable to support and cooperate with Pakistan for developing infrastructure, housing and tourism sectors.”
