Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan once again refreshed reality of strong relations between two brotherly countries. A warm welcome was accorded to the Turkish President on his arrival for two-day visit to Pakistan. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif welcomed the visiting dignitary, Erdogan said Pakistan is his second home and the relations between the two countries are based on mutual trust and respect.
Turkish President held separate meetings with Prime Minister and President Mamnoon Hussain to discussed bilateral relations and cooperating in diverse fields. Nawaz Sharif condemned the coup attempt in Turkey that took place few months before; he described the sentiments of Pakistani nation to President Ergodan by saying Pakistani nation stands with the elected government of Turkey. Prime Minister appreciated Turkey’s bid for Pakistan to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group, adding that it had ‘strengthened Pakistan’s position.’
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also addressed the joint session of the parliament, in his comprehensive speech he said terrorist organizations are bringing bad name to Islam, which is religion of peace. He lauded moral support of Pakistani people and government during the frustrated coup in Turkey. He said Pakistan was the first country to stand by Turkey after the 15 July coup attempt in Turkey. More importantly, Turkish President expressed severe concerns over tense situation in Kashmir. He said that unpleasant events in Kashmir continue to hurt conscience of the people of Turkey. He was of the view that unfortunate developments in Kashmir once again highlighted importance and urgency of the solution of Kashmir dispute. He said that people of Turkey are aware with the sufferings of Kashmiri brothers and sisters. He stressed that international community should escalate efforts for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir. He extended cooperation of Turkey in order to arrange dialogue between Pakistan and India for the resolution of Kashmir dispute.
The Turkish leader talked on deep-rooted and historic relationship between people of Pakistan and Turkey and said they are real brothers. He said the two countries have always been sharing each other’s joy and grief. Indeed both countries enjoy brotherly relations and have signed over fifty MoUs and agreements in last few years in different fields.
Erdogan expressed his government’s concerns regarding the activities of certain groups in Pakistan that have alleged links with US-based self-exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen. It is considered that visit of Turkish President also initiated some controversy as interior ministry asked the Turkish staff of the Pak-Turk schools working in Pakistan to leave country within three days. Large number of schools and colleges are operating in Pakistan under organisation run by Gulen ‘Fethullahand. Indeed this move was result of the pressure by Turkish president who alleged Fethullah Gulen motivated coup in his country. Asking teachers to leave Pakistan where they were serving from last many years was not in the interest of Pakistan by any stretch of imagination. Pakistan needs to learn to balance demands of ally countries and its own interest. This act once again revealed that government is unable to resist pressure from close allies.
Visit of Turkish President will further strengthen bilateral ties between two brotherly countries.
