Turkey, Pakistan free trade deal to be ready in Dec.

Turkey's ambassador in Pakistan told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that a free trade agreement between Turkey and Pakistan will be ready to be signed in December.

Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad Sadik Babur Girgin said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday for a two-day visit. During his visit, bilateral relations will be discussed and a business forum between Turkey and Pakistan is planned.

Girgin confirmed the free trade pact will be ready for signing next month, adding, "This agreement will not be only for trade. It will include the service industry and investments."

Additionally the diplomat said that Turkey is planning to invest in Pakistan in the fields of solar and wind power.

Separately, Girgin stated that Turkey has always favored peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full, as the two countries have fought three wars – in 1948, 1965 and 1971 – since they were partitioned in 1947.

Since 1989, Kashmiri resistance groups have been fighting in Indian-held Kashmir against Indian rule for independence, or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.