Erdogan extends all-out support to Pakistan on Kashmir, FATF

Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan has declared that his country will extend all-out support to Pakistan on Kashmir and at Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Addressing the joint session of Parliament in Islamabad on Friday, the Turkish President minced no words in reaffirming Ankara’s unequivocal support on the issue of Kashmir.

“Turkey feels about Kashmir the same way as Pakistanis feel.”

Erdogan further said, “The relationship between the two brotherly countries will continue in the future with the same spirit as it has been in the past.”

Amid loud thumping of desks by the disciplined Pakistani lawmakers from both sides of the political divide, the Turkish President said, “We cannot forget those who helped us despite being under immense pressure and threats.”

He said Turkey will sign a strategic economic plan with Pakistan.

“We will continue to help Islamabad which is under financial pressure. We will fulfill our commitment regarding Pakistan’s economy.”

This was the fourth time that President Erdogan addressed the joint session of the Pakistani Parliament. Earlier he had addressed the Parliament in Islamabad twice as the prime minister and once as the President of Turkey.

Friday’s session was jointly chaired by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser. Prime Minister Imran Khan and the main leaders of opposition parties were all in presence during President Erdogan’s address.

Kicking off his speech in a charged tone, President Erdogan showered praise and paid tribute to the Pakistani nation for standing with Turkey through the tests of time.

He said that he is thankful not only to the people of Pakistan who greeted him so warmly but their forefathers who espoused Turkey’s cause during the Khilafat movement in the Subcontinent at the beginning of the 20th century.

“We cannot forget the rallies of Lahore.”

He also mentioned the Ali Brothers (Maulana Shaukat Ali and Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar) who led the pro-Turkey campaign during the British rule in India.

The Turkish President said, “I never feel a stranger in Pakistan, which is like a second home to me and I am talking to you in my own home.”

“Today, the relations between Turkey and Pakistan are exemplary. Our relations are based on religion and culture,” he said and added that the first Mughal ruler Zaheeruddin Babar, who founded a dynasty in the Subcontinent, was a Turk.

President Erdogan also said “it is an honour for me to speak to you,” adding that Pakistan’s people donated everything to support the cause of Turkey.

“Now Kashmir is as critical for us as it is for Pakistan.”

He said that Turkey wants a solution to Kashmir issue based on justice and peace. “It is our duty to stand up to the tyrant,” he added.

President Erdogan also assured Turkey’s full support to Pakistan on FATF.

“How could we leave those (Pakistanis) in the lurch who espoused our cause unconditionally?”

The Turkish President said that "Pakistan’s success is Turkey’s success".
"Pakistan is on the path to progress," he added.

President Erdogan said that Turkey pays tribute to Pakistan for its crusade against terrorism. He said that Pakistan had been badly hit by terrorism and offered immense sacrifices.

He also praised Islamabad’s role for restoration of peace in neighbouring Afghanistan.

President Erdogan concluded the speech with Allama Iqbal’s poetry.

Warm welcome

Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan arrived at Parliament House in Islamabad at 11am to a warm welcome by the Pakistani parliamentary leaders.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser received the Turkish President and his wife outside the Parliament building and led him to the hall.

As soon as the Turkish dignitary entered the hall all members of the upper and lower houses stood up and welcome the dear and special Friend of Pakistan by clapping as hard as they could.