ISTANBUL - Turkish Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu left on Wednesday for Pakistan as the official guest of Pakistani Interior Minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat.
Speaking to reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Aksu said that there was need for stronger international cooperation to fight against terrorism.
Aksu noted that fight against terrorism and organized crimes and cooperation in local administrations and civil defense field would be discussed during his visit to Pakistan.
Recalling that ''cooperation agreement on fight against international terrorism and organized crimes'' was signed in Ankara last year, Aksu said that fight against terrorism would be the main agenda item of his meetings in Pakistan. He added that they would take up cooperation in fight against terrorism with Pakistani officials.
Aksu noted that Turkey was face to face with a serious problem especially on illegal immigration and stated that Turkey was located geographically on one of routes of human trafficking. Stating that they forced illegal human smugglers to change their route with improvements in regulations and by taking security measures. Aksu said that they would explain Turkey's struggle to fight against illegal migration to Pakistani officials.
Stating that they would also discuss drug smuggling, Aksu said that they were ready for every kind of cooperation in this issue.
Aksu noted that they would also inform Pakistani officials about Turkey's experiences on ''reforms on public and local administrations''.
Aksu added that he would also be received by Pakistani President and Prime Minister.
(EÖ-AÖ) 26.05.2004