India, Turkey condemn double-standards in addressing terrorism

New Delhi [India], May 2 (ANI): India and Turkey has condemned the use of double standards in addressing the menace of terrorism and agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism both at the bilateral level and within the multilateral system. Holding a joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged views on other international issues of common concern, most notably the fight against terrorism. The two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever committed and by whomever, and declared that there could be no justification for terrorism anywhere. Both the sides urged all countries and entities to work sincerely to disrupt terrorist networks and their financing, and stop cross-border movement of terrorists. They also called for early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. On UN cooperation and reforms, the two leaders jointly agreed that the delegations of both the countries to the United Nations must cooperate closely and agreed on continuing with this close cooperation at the UN fora. Recognizing the need for comprehensive UN reforms including the Security Council expansion to make the body more representative, accountable and effective, both the sides agreed to work towards the reform of the UN Security Council in order to enhance its democratic nature and to reflect the reality of the twenty-first century. India and Turkey also underlined the shared interest of underlining global non-proliferation objectives. In this regard, President Erdogan welcomed India's accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Erdogan for Turkey's support for India's membership of the MTCR and applications to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group and Wassenaar Arrangement. India and Turkey noted that there is an immense untapped potential for growth in the trade bilateral trade and investment. They also agreed to encourage business efforts to achieve a level of at least $10 billion by 2020 in bilateral trade. The bilateral trade between India and Turkey is $ 6.4 billion. The two sides expressed desire to hold the Turkey-India Joint Economic Committee meetings regularly. Both the leaders expressed satisfaction that the Business Forum held during the state visit provided a platform for the business community to further explore commercial opportunities. On the energy sector, the two sides agreed to improve cooperation in the fields of hydrocarbons, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Taking note of the tourism potential of the two nations, the two leaders agreed to encourage more tourist exchanges. In this context, both Leaders expressed their desire to further encourage tourist exchanges between the two countries within the framework of the "Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism" signed in 1995. Prime Minister Modi highlighted in this regard that Indian film industry is now producing films and television shows abroad, which will eventually lead to increased tourist interest. (ANI)