Turkish President receives Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister of Pakistan


ANKARA, 29 September 2012: Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gul here today warmly received Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister and Senior Vice President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Mr. Gilani conveyed the greetings of President Zardari to H.E. Abdullah Gül. Both Mr. Gul and Mr. Gilani strongly condemned the recent release of the blasphemous video “Innocence of Muslims” and caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as sheer acts of incitement to hatred, discrimination and hostility towards Muslims, their peaceful religion Islam and the Holy Prophet. They agreed that reaction of the Muslim world should be measured, disciplined and should not be violent.

Both the leaders were unanimous in their views that the people of Pakistan and Turkey have made enormous sacrifices for democracy. Mr. Gilani appreciated the special role played by President Gul in hosting the Afghanistan-Pakistan-Trilateral summits. Lauding Turkey’s efforts for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan, Mr. Gilani stated that a strong and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s national interest.

On the invitation of the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Gilani is leading a three member PPP delegation to the Justice & Development Party’s (AK Party) Congress to be held in Ankara on 30 September. Pakistan delegation comprises Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce & Senior Vice Chairman of PPP and Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
Mr. Gilani has been accorded a very warm reception in Turkey. He has had fruitful meetings with the Turkish leadership including Turkish President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and Deputy Prime Minister. He will address the Justice & Development Congress, a unique honour for a visiting dignitary. This demonstrates special nature of Pakistan-Turkey relations and the high esteem for Pakistani leadership.

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