ISLAMABAD, APRIL 1, SPA -- The multifaceted and deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and Turkey is based on shared heritage, common faith and cultural values as well as identity of views on major regional and international issues, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said. He was talking to Interior Minister of Turkey Abdulkadir Aksu, according to an official statement. Our close and collaborative relationship is unique in the sense that it derives its strength from the affections and affinities that have historically existed between our two people , the Prime Minister said. He said the just signing of three agreements between the Interior Ministries of the two countries in Islamabad will further enhance and institutionalize the ongoing security cooperation between the two countries and prevent human smuggling and illegal immigration in the region. Aziz emphasized the need to expand trade ties between the two countries, which, he said, are far below their potential. He said that private sectors of the two countries need to be encouraged to explore the trade and investment opportunities in each other s countries. The prime minister expressed the hope that the next meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) to be held this year in Turkey will strengthen the broad-based relationship between the two countries and boost economic cooperation especially in the trade and investment areas. The quadrilateral meeting between Pakistan, Turkey, Iran and Greece scheduled to be held in Turkey this year will also serve to expand cooperation between the four countries, he said. Aziz said that the government and the people of Pakistan would never forget spontaneous and generous support extended by Turkey in the wake of the disastrous earthquake that hit Pakistan in October, 2005. Pakistan will also never forget that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the first head of government to visit Pakistan and the effected areas in its hour of need, he said. The prime minister said the monument built in Ankara Park in Islamabad to commemorate the memory of the two Turkish engineers who laid down their lives while helping people in the quake affected areas symbolizes Pakistan s abiding gratitude to government and people of Turkey for their deep love, affection and concern for Pakistan. Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Aksu said Turkey appreciates and takes pride in the progress made by Pakistan in all fields in the last few years. He said that Pakistan is a second home to all Turks as borne out by the warm welcome and hospitality extended to us. He said that both countries need to make collaborative efforts to expand their economic ties which are not commensurable to the size and scope of their rapidly growing economies. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/437349