ANKARA, 6 December 2012: A four member parliamentary delegation of Senators from Pakistan was was warmly received by the Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gul here today.
Led by Chairman of Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir & Gilgit Baltistan Haji Muhammad Adeel, the delegation included Senator Syed Muzafar Hussain Shah, Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Senator Sehar Kamran and Mr. Amjad Pervez, Secretary of the Committee.
President Gul said that the visit of Senate Parliamentary delegation is very important and meaningful for further enhancing the existing extra-ordinary good relations between Pakistan and Turkey. He said both the countries have traditions of supporting each other at international fora on various issues. Referring to the visit of the delegation to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, he thanked them for the support for a peaceful and lasting solution of the Cyprus issue.
On Kashmir issue, President Gul stated that there is a great deal of awareness about the Kashmir issue in Turkey. He said Kashmir issue was a product of the unjust international system. Commending Pakistan for its positive stand on the issue, Mr. Gul expressed the hope that the dialogue between the leadership of Pakistan and India would lead to an amicable solution.
On bilateral economic and commercial relations, President Gul said that the two countries are working on multiple tracks to boost trade and investment links. Mentioning ‘Gul train’ he said with efficient operation and reduction in its duration, the cargo train can play an important role in augmenting trade links between the two countries and beyond.
Referring to the forthcoming 7th trilateral Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey summit being held in Ankara, President Gul said he is looking forward to meet President Zardari. He said that he was fully aware with Pakistan’s difficulties arising out of instability in Afghanistan and the three countries are working through trilateral process to bring peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.
Senators thanked President Gul for his strong support and friendship with Pakistan. They informed that the long-lasting special relations of Pakistan and Turkey enjoy all the support across the political divide.
Haji Adeel also showed gratitude for Turkey’s solidarity and assistance during natural disasters in Pakistan. He said Pakistan and Turkey are two important Muslim countries and can play a critical role for resolution of outstanding disputes like Cyprus, Kashmir and Palestine through concerted and united efforts of the Islamic world.
The visiting delegation also met with Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Mr. Cemil Çiçek (pronounced as Jamil Chichek). Mr. Cemil Çiçek said such an exchange of parliamentary delegations will help boost our relations and shall help in evolving joint strategies to tackle common issues.
Haji Adeel said Turkey is our second home and appreciated Turkish support for the cause of oppressed people of Indian Occupied Kashmir.