Turkish Prime Minister meeting with Former Premier of Pakistan Syed Yusu...

ANKARA, 28 September 2012: Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister and Senior Vice President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was warmly received by the Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan here today.

 Mr. Gilani is leading a three member Pakistan Peoples Party delegation to the Justice & Development Party’s (AK Party) Congress to be held in Ankara on 30 September on the invitation of the Turkish Prime Minister. Pakistan delegation includes 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. Erdogan during the meeting said Turkey was keenly observing world scenario and developments in Pakistan.  Showing his concern, Mr. Erdogan said Pakistan needs political stability and consistency in policies to confront  the challenges it was facing today. Mr. Gilani responded that completion of the two terms of the Parliament will bring the needed stability and consistency in the country.

The Turkish Prime Minister recognized the sacrifices made by people of Pakistan due to terrorism. Both the dignitaries agreed that force was not the solution to counter the menace of terrorism. Reconciliation and dialogue is the only way forward. Mr. Gilani stated that we must address the root causes of terrorism which breed on ignorance and poverty. He stated that during his term he adopted the 3Ds strategy in Pakistan focusing on dialogue, development and deterrence.

The visiting dignitary also informed the hosts about constitutional amendments made by the PPP and its coalition partners. Mr. Gilani informed that under the 20th constitutional amendment, a consensus caretaker government will be formed on the completion of the five year term of the present Parliamen. He assured that the next elections in Pakistan will be held on time and in a free, fair and transparent manner.

Mr. Gilani thanked the Turkish Premier and his spouse for spearheading a campaign for Turkey’s unprecedented assistance during the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods. He invited the Turkish Prime Minister to visit Pakistan. Mr. Erdogan replied that he was closely monitoring the reconstruction work being undertaken by the Turkish Development Agency (TIKA) and would visit Pakistan once these projectes are completed.

Mr. Gilani also appreciated Turkish role in the Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey trilateral process for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Mr. Gilani will be one of the honourable guest speakers to speak from amongst the 36 foreign delegations attending the mega political event in the history of modern Tukey. About 30,000 AK Party delegates will attend the Congress and the event will be telecast live to be watched by millions.

Earlier, Mr. Gilani and his delegation, was warmly received at the Ankara airport by Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, Member Parliament and President of Pakistan-Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Turkish Parliament.

During his stay in Turkey, Mr. Gilani will also be meeting with the Turkish President, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and Deputy Prime Minister.