ISLAMABAD: Addressing the joint session of the Parliament in Islamabad on Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he never felt himself an alien in Pakistan.
He thanked the Pakistani nation for the hospitality and expressing contentment over his arrival.
“I feel at home in Pakistan. I am honored to address the joint parliamentary session,” President Erdogan said inaugurating the session with his speech immediately after Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser welcomed him. Asad Qaiser said it was an honor for us to have him. Erdogan was welcomed by the parliamentary members by thumping the desks.
The president admitted Pakistan’s assistance in the time of need for the Turk nation in its Khilafat Movement. “Our friendship is not based on personal interest, rather it is based on love and brotherhood. Who else will we love other than our Pakistani brothers?” Pakistan and Turkey’s relations were enviable for others, he maintained. He said the issue of Kashmir was as crucial for Turkey as for Pakistan. Pakistan was a second home to him, he said.
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The Turk president assured of full assistance to Pakistan in Financial Action Task Force (FATF). He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistani nation in war on terror. He said Pakistan’s success was a success of Turkey. “How can we forget those who supported us despite humongous international pressure,” he asked.
Referring to the US Plan for Middle East, Erdogan said US President Donald Trump’s plan was not resolution of the crisis but to seize the Palestinian land.
Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Erdogan will also have one-on-one meeting, after which they will co-chair the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in the joint cabinet format.
At the conclusion of the session, a Joint Declaration will be signed. A number of important agreements and MoUs are also expected to be signed during the visit. The two leaders will have a joint press stakeout.
