ISLAMABAD, JUNE 05, SPA -- Pakistan and Turkey have underlined the need for increasing cooperation in the areas of common interest, said an official statement. This was discussed at a meeting between Pakistan's Defense Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal and Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Engin Soysal. They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and stressed the need for further expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and defense. The Minister told the envoy that Pakistan attached greater importance to its relations with Turkey as the two countries have commonality of perceptions on various regional and international issues and the bond of friendship needed to be further strengthened.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/456162