An important visit from a very close and faithful ally.
Turkish president begins visit to Pakistan
Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived here Sunday for a two-day official visit, according to the state-run PTV. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf received Gul on arrival at the Chaklala military air base, the PTV reported. Gul will hold talks with Musharraf on a range of subjects encompassing issues of bilateral, regional and global importance, according to a statement of Pakistan’s foreign ministry. Musharraf and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro will be hosting a banquet and a luncheon respectively for Gul.
Gul’s visit, within a few weeks of assuming his office, reflects the sense of deep-rooted friendship and solidarity between Pakistan and Turkey, said the ministry. Gul will also hold talks with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and leader of Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal, Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, as wells as some other leaders, according to local press reports. Gul will make attempt for political reconciliation in Pakistan by listening to all parties over the political crisis in the country.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf greets his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul at a military base in Rawalpindi December 2, 2007. Gul arrived in Pakistan for a two-day official visit on Sunday.
Abdullah Gul urges int’l community to adopt “constructive approach”towards Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): Turkish President Abdullah Gul Monday urged the international community to remain committed to a “constructive approach” towards Pakistan, keeping in view its pivotal role against global terrorism. “Pakistan is important here … (its) future in this difficult geography … region. Therefore, constructive approach is important,” Turkish President said at a joint press conference along with President Pervez Musharraf, following a round of formal talks and an exclusive meeting here at Aiwan-e-Sadr. About the need for political stability in the country, the Turkish President said “democracy is essential for sustainability of states, but at the same time the realities of a country should be taken into consideration.” “In this type of critical period all leading figures should focus on future of Pakistan,” Abdullah Gul added. He said there was a need for getting the “big picture” and constructive behaviour to help the country overcome the difficult phase it was passing through.
Responding to a question about President Gul’s meetings with the Pakistani political leaders later in the day, President Musharraf said “my brother’s (President Gul) interests lie in Pakistan and not in any individual or political party.” He said all political and personal issues must be subservient to the interests of Pakistan and added “one has to see the bigger picture and not the narrowly focused one.” President Musharraf said like his Turkish counterpart mentioned his objective has always been “Pakistan first.” President Musharraf and his Turkish counterpart termed “fruitful” their talks and their “indepth interaction” covering bilateral matters, regional and international issues, war against terrorism, cooperation in defence production, economic and political relations.
President Musharraf said President Gul’s visit marked 60 years of deep-rooted friendship. He said the two sides discussed the need for restructuring the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the importance of Pakistan’s geo-strategic location as a trade and energy corridor. He said the standoff between the United States and Iran was also discussed with both the sides urging the need for efforts to normalise situation for ensuring peace and stability in the region. President Musharraf said “We showed a bit of concern that our trade and economic relations were not in consonance with their deep brotherly ties”. He said they also discussed steps to enhance cooperation in defence production, stating there was an immense potential in this area. He also thanked Turkey for its support to Pakistan on its stance over the Kashmir dispute, for cooperation in education and the support in rehabilitation of victims of Oct 2005 quake.
President Abdullah Gul, describing the 60 years of Pakistan-Turkey relations as unique, said over the years these had strengthened in all spheres. He said the two sides had “constructive views” on all important issues; peace and security in region and said Turkey was also member of the OIC Kashmir Contact Group that was striving to find a solution on the basis of international legitimacy. He said Pakistan and Turkey were also part of the trilateral peace Jirga along with Afghanistan for enhanced cooperation in jointly fighting extremism and terrorism and peace in the region. “The Turkish people stand by Pakistan in their fight against extremism and terrorism,” President Gul said and termed the acts of terrorism, occurring anywhere in the world, as a crime against humanity. “Pakistan will always find Turkey along its side and hope this friendship will continue to flourish,” President Abdullah Gul said. The two leaders who have recently assumed charge of their offices for second terms, greeted each other. It was the first foreign visit of President Gul after assuming his office and was the first head of state to be received by President Musharraf since his swearing-in. President Musharraf, who spent a part of his life in Turkey and knows the language well, greeted President Gul and members of his delegation in Turkish. Earlier on his arrival at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Turkish President Gul and his wife were warmly received by President Pervez Musharraf and First Lady Sehba Musharraf. A contingent of Armed Forces, comprising the three services, presented a salute to the President of Turkey. National anthems of the two countries were played and President Abdullah Gul reviewed the parade. He was later introduced to the Caretaker Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro. President Gul introduced members of his delegation to President Musharraf.
Turkey President Abdullah Gul (2-L) shakes hands with Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro (2-R) prior to a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, 3 December 2007
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz, left, meets Turkish President Abdullah Gul who is on two-day official visit, in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, Dec 3, 2007.
Some months back, there was public vote on a turkish daily regarding who is the best freind of Turkey. Pakistan was also among that list and got quite a few votes.
