Turkish FM meets Pakistani officials in Islamabad

Holding a joint press conference with Qureshi, Davutoglu said that relations between the two countries were very good, adding that Turkey attached great importance to stability in Pakistan.

Davutoglu said that Turkey would extend $10 million in aid to Pakistan, adding that a cargo plane was due to arrive in Islamabad carrying 10 tons of humanitarian assistance.

The Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency, or TIKA, would open an office in the Pakistani capital, he said.

International aid organizations need greater coordination in regard to assistance extended to Pakistan, Davutoglu said, calling on the international community to support Pakistan.

For his part, Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi said bilateral relations were perfect, but that economic relations were not at desired level, adding the two nations could work closer in regard to this issue.

Turkey was an important country in Europe, Qureshi said and affirmed that Pakistan supported Turkey's EU membership bid.

Qureshi also said that Turkey and Pakistan could cooperate in the field of education and in students exchange programs.

Davutoglu met Pakistani Premier Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani later on Tuesday and presented a $10 million humanitarian aid check to the premier, representing Turkey's support to Pakistan.

As part of his visit, Davutoglu also held talks with the head of Pakistani Land Forces Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Parliament Speaker Fehmida Mirza as well.

After holding a series of talks in Lahor on Wednesday, Davutoglu is expected to be received by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zerdari in Islamabad in the evening.