Islamabad, 12 April, 2016: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan and Turkey are committed to an enduring partnership in the face of regional challenges. He highlighted that Turkey shines prominently in Pakistan’s strategic calculations. He further added that a robust partnership is inevitable given the shared perspectives on democracy, geopolitics, development and trade.  He was speaking H.E. Mr Ä°smail Kahraman, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey who called on him at Parliament House, Islamabad on Tuesday. The Convener Pak-Turk Friendship Group Muhammad Pervaiz Malik and Ambassador of Turkey in Pakistan were also present during the Call on.

The Speaker National Assembly strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Ankara and Istanbul and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families. He added that the people of Pakistan, being the victims of terrorism, share the pain of Turkish families who lost their loved ones in recent terror attacks in Turkey.  Ayaz Sadiq outlined that the entire Islamic world is facing a wave of violence, extremism armed conflict and displacement and urged for a renewed cooperation in fight against terrorism and extremism.  He outlined that Pakistan’s present government was committed to root out this menace from the country under National Action Plan and better civil military coordination. He highlighted that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism will continue till extermination of last terrorist. He said that National Assembly strongly desires to enhance parliamentary relations between both the countries.

Appreciating the Turkish advances in strengthening democracy, the Speaker highlighted that Turkish democracy has emerged as a vibrant and modern democratic model for Islamic countries which has established a harmonious balance between the institutions. He urged for cooperation in exchange of information regarding best Parliamentary practices and added that regular exchange of Parliamentary delegations is inevitable for forging stronger partnership. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reiterated Pakistan’s commitment for diversification and strengthening of trade relations with Turkey. He further remarked that both the countries need to deepen people to people contacts for effective bilateral engagement. He stressed on need for taking bilateral trade to new heights and added that Turkey is highly valued destination in Pakistan’s regional outreach. The Speaker also informed his Turkish Counterpart regarding the Pakistan’s commitment towards attaining sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with establishment of a dedicated Secretariat in the Parliament House for SDGs and the Solar Power Project initiative that enabled Pakistan Parliament as a first Parliament in the world to go green.

The Speaker said that Pakistan was a peace loving country and wanted friendly relations with all its neighbours and resolve all contentious issues through dialogue.  Talking about Kashmir dispute the Speaker said that resolution of Kashmir Issue was imperative for peace in the region.  He stressed the need for peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute according to United Nations Resolutions and aspirations of people of Kashmir.  He appreciated Turkish support at regional and international forums in this regard.

The Turkish Speaker Mr. Ä°smail highly appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and expressed solidarity with the terrorism affected people in Lahore, Peshawar, Charsadda and Mardan. He outlined that Turkey acknowledges and appreciates Pakistan’s contribution in the fight for global peace and added that Pakistan has paid a heavy price for global peace and security.  He also endorsed Ayaz Sadiq’s proposal for concrete partnership in the fight against terrorism.    He reinforced Turkey’s resolve to diversify and cement trade relations with Pakistan and added that Turkey is committed to embark on joint initiatives for strengthening democracy, enhanced cooperation in defense, agriculture and tourism. He agreed that Parliamentary Friendship Groups could play a vital role in enhancing bilateral relations.