Press Conference by the President Abdullah Gül at İslamabad
03.12.2007
It is a great pleasure for me to be in Pakistan once again.
I have always received a cordial welcome here. I have always felt at home, among brothers and sisters.
Turkey and Pakistan have a deep-rooted, unique brotherly relationship. The most outstanding characteristic of this relationship is that, it is not only government-to-government, but also people-to-people.
My visit today, celebrates the 60th anniversary of Pakistan's establishment. 60 years of existence for Pakistan, means at the same time, 60 years of unique brotherhood and solidarity between Turkey and Pakistan.
We had a very fruitful discussion with my dear colleague and Brother H.E. President Pervez Musharraf on bilateral political, commercial, economic, cultural and educational matters.
We also exchanged views on high priority issues, such as fight against terrorism and extremism.
I congratulated him for swearing in for a second term as the President of Pakistan, this time as a civilian leader.
During our consultations, we have elaborated on how to realize our potential, taking advantage of our excellent relationship, in all aspects.
I consider it very rewarding to continue these consultations.
We have agreed on giving necessary directives to our officials for the follow-up of our discussions.
President Musharraf's constructive views and ideas include elements which are beneficial for our bilateral relations, and also for maintaining peace, security and prosperity in our region.
Our countries share similar views on regional and global issues.
This aspect of our relationship enables us to support each other in regional and international platforms.
Turkey, as a member of OIC Kashmir Contact Group, is following closely the efforts aimed at finding a solution to this issue on the basis of international legitimacy.
Turkey and Pakistan champion similar ideas on such matters as UN and OIC reforms.
These constitute important topics on the international agenda. We have also intense cooperation within the ECO and D-8.
We are working together to establish peace, stability and security in our regions and beyond.
As prominent actors in our neighborhood, we are playing an essential role in building a better future for our children.
During our consultations, we have exchanged views on Afghanistan.
We have reviewed the process of Trilateral Meetings, İstanbul Forum and Pakistan-Afghanistan Jirga Process.
We have also talked about the situation in Iraq, the Middle East and the recent conference in Annapolis.
Pakistan is fighting against terrorism and extremism.
Mr. President, Your leadership on that issue is impressive. You are sending out a very clear message.
As always, the Turkish people stand by our Pakistani brothers in their fight against this scourge.
Indeed, terrorism continues to threaten the security of all nations. An act of terror committed in any part of the world in essence targets us all. It also constitutes a crime against humanity.
To eradicate this scourge, the governments and their people must take on the challenge as a united front.
Functioning democratic institutions would strengthen Pakistan's hand in its efforts to curb extremism.
We appreciate the determination of Pakistan towards a smooth transition to democracy in the face of present challenges.
We acknowledge and understand the ground realities in Pakistan.
Turkish and Pakistani people desire and deserve peace, stability, development and prosperity at home and in their neighborhood.
Consequently, we will remain committed to the primary objective of our foreign policies.
This objective is to help secure and cultivate a peaceful, stable, prosperous and cooperative regional and international environment.
The great importance we attach to Pakistan's stability and welfare stems only from our hearts and not from calculations of interest.
This is what makes our relationship strong enough to stand the test of time.
Let me assure you that Pakistan will always find Turkey by its side even in its most difficult times.
I have always received a cordial welcome here. I have always felt at home, among brothers and sisters.
Turkey and Pakistan have a deep-rooted, unique brotherly relationship. The most outstanding characteristic of this relationship is that, it is not only government-to-government, but also people-to-people.
My visit today, celebrates the 60th anniversary of Pakistan's establishment. 60 years of existence for Pakistan, means at the same time, 60 years of unique brotherhood and solidarity between Turkey and Pakistan.
We had a very fruitful discussion with my dear colleague and Brother H.E. President Pervez Musharraf on bilateral political, commercial, economic, cultural and educational matters.
We also exchanged views on high priority issues, such as fight against terrorism and extremism.
I congratulated him for swearing in for a second term as the President of Pakistan, this time as a civilian leader.
During our consultations, we have elaborated on how to realize our potential, taking advantage of our excellent relationship, in all aspects.
I consider it very rewarding to continue these consultations.
We have agreed on giving necessary directives to our officials for the follow-up of our discussions.
President Musharraf's constructive views and ideas include elements which are beneficial for our bilateral relations, and also for maintaining peace, security and prosperity in our region.
Our countries share similar views on regional and global issues.
This aspect of our relationship enables us to support each other in regional and international platforms.
Turkey, as a member of OIC Kashmir Contact Group, is following closely the efforts aimed at finding a solution to this issue on the basis of international legitimacy.
Turkey and Pakistan champion similar ideas on such matters as UN and OIC reforms.
These constitute important topics on the international agenda. We have also intense cooperation within the ECO and D-8.
We are working together to establish peace, stability and security in our regions and beyond.
As prominent actors in our neighborhood, we are playing an essential role in building a better future for our children.
During our consultations, we have exchanged views on Afghanistan.
We have reviewed the process of Trilateral Meetings, İstanbul Forum and Pakistan-Afghanistan Jirga Process.
We have also talked about the situation in Iraq, the Middle East and the recent conference in Annapolis.
Pakistan is fighting against terrorism and extremism.
Mr. President, Your leadership on that issue is impressive. You are sending out a very clear message.
As always, the Turkish people stand by our Pakistani brothers in their fight against this scourge.
Indeed, terrorism continues to threaten the security of all nations. An act of terror committed in any part of the world in essence targets us all. It also constitutes a crime against humanity.
To eradicate this scourge, the governments and their people must take on the challenge as a united front.
Functioning democratic institutions would strengthen Pakistan's hand in its efforts to curb extremism.
We appreciate the determination of Pakistan towards a smooth transition to democracy in the face of present challenges.
We acknowledge and understand the ground realities in Pakistan.
Turkish and Pakistani people desire and deserve peace, stability, development and prosperity at home and in their neighborhood.
Consequently, we will remain committed to the primary objective of our foreign policies.
This objective is to help secure and cultivate a peaceful, stable, prosperous and cooperative regional and international environment.
The great importance we attach to Pakistan's stability and welfare stems only from our hearts and not from calculations of interest.
This is what makes our relationship strong enough to stand the test of time.
Let me assure you that Pakistan will always find Turkey by its side even in its most difficult times.
