Erdogan: "Turkey will continue to stand by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism"

On an official visit to Pakistan, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday addressed Pakistani parliamentarians in Islamabad. Stating that Pakistan has existed in the thoughts and hearts of the Turkish nation ever since it gained independence 62 years ago, Erdogan said, "We can not forget the support of the Pakistani people during the Turkish War of Independence. Turkey sees the happiness of Pakistan as its own, and sees the sadness of Pakistan as its own." Stressing Turkey's determination to further improve bilateral relations, including trade ties, Erdogan said, "We feel we are with our relatives, brothers and sisters in Pakistan. I'm confident you would feel at home if you come to Turkey. Pakistan and Turkey are strong countries of the region. We are two countries that contribute to regional and global peace." Pledging that Turkey would continue to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, Erdogan said, "I believe that Pakistan will succeed in its fight against terrorism, a common enemy of humanity. You are not alone in the struggle against terror and radicalism. We can never permit radicalism. We have suffered from terror as well and lost many of our citizens." He added, "This is high time for unity and solidarity. Pakistan will leave these days behind through national consensus. A new era began in Pakistan following its elections. Economic reforms and democratization are extremely crucial. We believe that the Pakistani Parliament is the platform that can meet the urgent needs of Pakistan and create concrete results." Erdogan also said, "As long as we stand together and preserve our brotherhood, no regional problem can stand in the way of our peace and stability. I salute the members of this distinguished parliament and the people of Pakistan with feelings of respect and honor." He concluded his speech by saying in Urdu, "Pakistan zindabad (long live), and Turkish-Pakistani friendship zindabad." Erdogan was the first foreign head of government in two decades to address the Pakistani parliamentarians. After receiving him, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari decorated Erdogan with Pakistan's state medal of merit, in a ceremony attended by State Ministers Zafer Caglayan and Mehmet Aydin, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz, and high-level Pakistani officials. Following the ceremony, Zerdari also hosted a banquet in honor of Erdogan, who also visited, along with his Pakistani counterpart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, a social facility constructed by the Turkish Prime Ministry's Housing Development Administration (TOKI) in Islamabad. After completing his talks in Pakistan, Erdogan proceeded to Tehran for official talks, and was welcomed by Iranian Foreiegn Minister Manouchehr Mottaki ahead of meeting with other top officials.