President Zardari conferred Turkey's Highest Award "Devlet Nishan" or State Order Medal
ANKARA, Apr 13, 2011: Turkish President Abdullah Gul conferred on President Asif Ali Zardari the highest Turkish State Order Medal 'Devlet Nishan' at an impressive investiture ceremony on 13th April 2011. President Zardari, who is on a four-day official visit to Turkey, while receiving the award said, "this is a special honor that has deeply touched me. I will always cherish it as a great personal treasure."The President said the Devlet Nishan will also serve to remind the strong brotherly ties between our two nations."The importance of this ceremony goes beyond symbolism. It is a testimony to the special nature of our relations. It is a testimony of the brotherly relations between our two peoples... that existed even before Pakistan and Turkey emerged as modern nation-states."
President Zardari said that the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his meeting with the first Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan had said, "A long history binds the people of Turkey and Pakistan right from the very birth of political consciousness among the Muslims of the sub-continent".
The President said, "it is therefore no surprise that the first official mission sent abroad by Pakistan was to Turkey in October 1947."
"Over the years our historical, political and cultural ties have further deepened. The "Devlet Nishan" conferred on me today has placed on my shoulders the responsibility to carry forward our relations to even greater heights."
The President reiterated his resolve to working closely with Turkish brethren for the progress and development of two peoples. "Long-live Pakistan-Turkey friendship", he added.
ANKARA, April 11: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived here on 11 April 2011 evening on a four day official visit to hold talks with Turkish leadership to further cooperation and strengthening existing bilateral ties.President Zardari was warmly received by Turkish State Minister Mehmet Aydin, Governor Ankara Alaattin Yuksel and Pakistan's ambassador to Turkey Tariq Azizuddin at Esenboga International Airport.He will hold meetings with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Speaker Turkish Grand National Assembly Mehmet Ali Sahin.The President's entourage includes Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar,Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Chairman Board of Investment M. Saleem Mandviwala.
They will assist him in formal delegation level talks with the Turkish leadership.During his stay, President Zardari will visit the mausoleum of founder of modern state of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to pay his respects. President Abdullah Gul will confer the Turkish state order medal Devlet Nishan on President Zardari in a special investiture ceremony for his contribution to promote bilateral ties between the two countries.
The President will also meet Turkish businessmen and members of think tanks, academia and media.
A delegation of leading businessmen from Pakistan will be in Ankara who will interact with Turkish businessmen and discuss prospects for joint ventures in various areas of the economy.
PAKISTAN’S NEWLY COMMISSIONED FRIGATE VISITS TURKEY
The ship will stay at the Naval Base for another three days and shall carry out a number of harbour and sea exercises with the Turkish Navy. Navies of the two brotherly countries have a history to organize such visits and exercises on a regular basis. Earlier in March, a Turkish Navy contingent also took part in AMAN-2011 Naval Exercise held in Karachi , Pakistan
Pakistan Navy is actively involved in maintaining peace and stability in the region - from Gulf of Aden to Gulf of Oman including North Arabian Sea . Pakistan Navy ships are vigorously operating and participating in all peace keeping missions. In support of UN Resolutions, Pakistan, alongwith other regional and extra regional Navies is helping to deal with the menace of pirates in the Gulf of Aden and along the Somali coast. Continuous presence of Pakistani ships in the busiest sea lanes has helped the continuous flow of shipping and uninterrupted economical activities. These sea routes connect the oil rich Middle Eastern states to industrialized Western world.
In support of Pakistan Government policies against piracy and maritime terrorism, this ship will mainly be deployed for coalition patrols and anti piracy operations. Ship is suitably equipped for conducting Maritime Security Operations, which has become the primary task of navies in many parts of the world. With its weapons and sensors, the ship will not only be most suitable platform for any kind of benign role, but will also enhance the defensive capability of Pakistan
PNS ALAMGIR is 453 feet in length and displaces 4100 tons. It is propelled by two gas turbines engines and can do sustained speeds of 30 knots plus. It is well equipped for Anti-Submarine Warfare. Its 76 mm fully automatic gun is capable of shooting both air and surface targets. It can carry 2 helicopters for multiple tasks. Its large radius of action makes it a very suitable platform for sustained maritime operations away from home port.
After Zardari’s visit to Ankara
After Zardari’s visit to Ankara
by Hasan Kanbolat, h.kanbolat@todayszaman.com
Today's Zaman, published on 19 April 2011.
Today's Zaman, published on 19 April 2011.
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Zardari Gul meets, discuss Gul cargo train, currency swap, bank branches in Pakistan
Briefing journalists about the meetings, Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that the meetings started soon after President Zardari arrived at the President Gul’s House to a 21 guns boom and a guard of honour. At the delegation level meeting, the pre-feasibility report of the proposed ‘Gul’ train between Pakistan and Turkey was also unveiled, he said.
According to the pre-feasibility, a weekly fast goods train would ferry merchandise from Lahore to Istanbul in nine days as compared to 18 days at present and further into the European markets thereby opening and connecting hitherto unconnected and unexplored markets. The train can be connected to other countries in the region and Central Asia region in the next phase, according to the pre-feasibility.
Farhatullah Babar said that it was also agreed in the two Summit level meetings to double the bilateral trade to US$ 2 billion from the present US$ 1 billion annually and to address issues related to free trade agreement (FTA), joint financial instruments and preferential treatment through special mechanisms and stepped up contacts between the relevant ministries of the two sides.
‘Our economic relations are based on the premise that Pakistan occupies a special and unique place in our scheme of things,’ the Turkish President said during the meeting.
President Zardari also invited Turkish companies to invest in the proposed project of building a new city ‘Zulfiqarabad’ in Sindh to ease pressure on the province’s mega cities, Zardari offered Turkish companies’ participation in reclamation of 2.5 million acres of land now under sea on the basis of public-private partnership in which the Turkish companies will be allowed to set up economic ventures of their own on part of the reclaimed land. Accepting the offer, President Abdullah Gul said that he will send a team of private entrepreneurs to Pakistan to examine the proposal.
The Spokesperson said that the cooperation between civil aviation authorities of the two countries also figured in the talks with President Gul declaring that Turkey will never seek an arrangement that put Pakistan to any disadvantage.
Regional situation, developments in the Middle East and issues relating to the trilateral Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey meetings also came under discussion.
A short documentary on the recently concluded joint military exercises of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey, the first of its kind, was also screened on the occasion to highlight the growing trilateral cooperation.
About the current situation in North Africa and Middle East, President Zardari said that as pillars of stability in the broader region, Pakistan and Turkey were well placed to play a positive role in dealing with the prevailing situation in the Middle East.
President Zardari also thanked the Turkish President for Turkey’s assistance in the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Libya. Welcoming the successful outcome of the inaugural session of the High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) in December last, the President called for setting up a joint investment company to undertake infrastructural projects and for institutionalizing financial cooperation.
Farhatullah Babar said that the President also called for enhanced security and defence cooperation through increased military-to-military interaction, joint exercises and collaboration in defence production, saying that the mid-life up gradation of Pakistan’s F-16 in Turkey was a demonstration of close defence cooperation.
Gul train strong symbol of forward looking ties of Turkey, Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Apr 17: Gul cargo train traversing 6500 kilometers from Islamabad, Tehran to Istanbul will become a symbol of things to come between Pakistan and Turkey in coming years. The project got a final shape in the recent four day official visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to Turkish capital Ankara from April 11-14. With the strong encouragement of leaders of the two countries, Turkish Union of Chambers (TOBB) has announced to immediately start a company to run the project.  “We are planning to get the train running in less than a year,” said Rifat Hisarciklioglu, President of the Turkish Union of Chambers (TOBB) during a briefing to the Turkish and Pakistan Presidents. Weekly trains are expected to take a one way trip in 11 days between Istanbul and Islamabad. Gul train will open up the unconnected and unexplored European and Asian markets for Pakistan. During his stay, President Zardari held fruitful discussions with Turkish President, Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Speaker Grand National Assembly, Mehmet Ali Sahin on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Presidents in their meetings agreed to upgrade the existing Islamabad-Istanbul railway line, open up five Turkish bank branches in Pakistan and arrange for currency swaps to bolster trade and commerce. Pakistan and Turkey are keen to expand their bilateral trade volume from existing $ one billion to $ two billion by year 2012. Turkish President in a joint press conference with President Zardari told that as his country has a customs union with Europe to trade goods, it will extend full support for enhancing Pakistani exports moving from Turkey to European markets. In his remarks before international media, President Abdullah Gul said his country’s economic relations with Pakistan were based on emotions emanating from sense of brotherhood. “Our economic relations are based on the premise that Pakistan occupies a special and unique place in our scheme of things,” he stated. President Gul told his Pakistani counterpart that he will send a team of private entrepreneurs to Pakistan to examine the proposals for investment in projects mentioned by the Pakistani President. Zardari offered Turkish companies’ participation in reclamation of 2.5 million acres of land now under sea on the basis of public-private partnership in which the Turkish companies will be allowed to set up economic ventures of their own on part of the reclaimed land. President Zardari also invited Turkish companies to invest in the proposed project of building a new city ‘Zulfiqarabad’ in Sindh to ease pressure on the province’s mega cities. During negotiations, the two sides discussed many aspects of their cooperation in joint investment projects, security, defence, energy, infrastructure and trade and agreed on steps to boost collaboration in these fields. Cooperation between civil aviation of the two countries also came up in the talks with President Gul declaring that Turkey will never seek an arrangement that put Pakistan to any disadvantage. Turkish affection for their Pakistani brethren was on full display during the maiden bilateral visit of the President. People of Turkey and Pakistan have common religion, culture and hundreds of common words in their languages and Turks appreciate role of Muslims of sub-continent in their war of independence in the early 20th century. Before this visit, President Zardari made five visits to attend trilateral Pakistan-Afghanistan-Turkey summits and international conferences. Turkish President acknowledged the contribution of President Zardari in promoting Pak-Turkey bilateral ties by conferring on him highest state order medal Devlet Nishan in an impressive investiture ceremony at the Cankaya Presidential Palace. President Zardari visited mausoleum (Anit Kabir) of founder of modern Turkey, leader of its war of independence and first President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to pay homage. APP |
President Zardari leaves Ankara after four-day official visit
Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar and Chairman Board of Investment Saleem Mandviwala accompanied the President. APP
President Zardari pledges full support to Turkish investors in setting up banks, energy projects
President Zardari said years back Turkey was facing economic difficulties with high inflation but now it has emerged as a model of economic growth.
He said his government will focus on enhancing bilateral trade by promoting connectivity of the region through road and rail links and energy corridors.
Focus of the two countries will remain on successfully executing Gul freight train project and upgrading the railway lines to cut short costs and time, he said adding they are looking into the possibility of running the train at 200 km per hour to make it more feasible and using modern technology to remove technical difficulties.
The President urged Turkish businessmen to take advantage of the incentives offered by Pakistani government.
Pakistan and Turkey are friends having common history and language and the next bond of friendship will be interdependence because of trade, he said adding Turkey offers gateway to the markets of Europe while Pakistan besides being a big market of 170 million itself is neighbour to big countries like India and China and provides access to Central Asian states.
He reminded that Pakistan is rich in natural resources and will give preference to Turkish companies for exploitation of its mineral wealth and investment in industrial and financial sectors.
The President said as competition is fierce between the countries in the economic field so there is a need for common strategies by Turkey and Pakistan, which are two states but one nation.
He said the PPP-led government of Sindh is willing to give land to Turkish businessmen on 99 year lease and they can raise money through Pakistani stock exchanges and take back their capital and profits to begin more projects.
The President said Pakistan has an educated and skilled population and its middle class is growing and it can become food basket and produce textiles for economically strong countries like Turkey.
He said in the last few years, there is a sea change in agriculture in Pakistan with farmers earning more money.
The President said Turkey has great potential to boost its tourism due to its history.He said next century belongs to Asia and Pakistan will be a vital part of that resurgence and there is a need to have out of box solutions for maximum utilization of the new opportunities.
“We need to improve our agriculture through use of improved seeds and irrigation and better per acre yields,” he said adding Turkish businessmen can invest in agro and processed food industry due to Pakistan’s traditionally strong agricultural background.
The President said Pakistan is turning towards alternative fuels to counter the challenges posed by environmental challenges caused by carbon dioxide emissions.
He said his government will focus on enhancing bilateral trade by promoting connectivity of the region through road and rail links and energy corridors.
Focus of the two countries will remain on successfully executing Gul freight train project and upgrading the railway lines to cut short costs and time, he said adding they are looking into the possibility of running the train at 200 km per hour to make it more feasible and using modern technology to remove technical difficulties.
The President urged Turkish businessmen to take advantage of the incentives offered by Pakistani government.
Pakistan and Turkey are friends having common history and language and the next bond of friendship will be interdependence because of trade, he said adding Turkey offers gateway to the markets of Europe while Pakistan besides being a big market of 170 million itself is neighbour to big countries like India and China and provides access to Central Asian states.
He reminded that Pakistan is rich in natural resources and will give preference to Turkish companies for exploitation of its mineral wealth and investment in industrial and financial sectors.
The President said as competition is fierce between the countries in the economic field so there is a need for common strategies by Turkey and Pakistan, which are two states but one nation.
He said the PPP-led government of Sindh is willing to give land to Turkish businessmen on 99 year lease and they can raise money through Pakistani stock exchanges and take back their capital and profits to begin more projects.
The President said Pakistan has an educated and skilled population and its middle class is growing and it can become food basket and produce textiles for economically strong countries like Turkey.
He said in the last few years, there is a sea change in agriculture in Pakistan with farmers earning more money.
The President said Turkey has great potential to boost its tourism due to its history.He said next century belongs to Asia and Pakistan will be a vital part of that resurgence and there is a need to have out of box solutions for maximum utilization of the new opportunities.
“We need to improve our agriculture through use of improved seeds and irrigation and better per acre yields,” he said adding Turkish businessmen can invest in agro and processed food industry due to Pakistan’s traditionally strong agricultural background.
The President said Pakistan is turning towards alternative fuels to counter the challenges posed by environmental challenges caused by carbon dioxide emissions.
Pakistani peacekeeping forces rescue Turkish envoy, businessman in Ivory Coast
ANKARA, April 14 : Pakistani peacekeeping forces rescued the Turkish ambassador to Abidjan, who had become trapped in Ivory Coast amid the ongoing turmoil there.According to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet,clashes around the hotel district in Abidjan trapped Ambassador Yal‡in Kaya Erensoy in the embassy building, part of a hotel compound,and stranded a Turkish business leader in his hotel in a separate location.The businessman, who was already in poor health, was rescued by the Pakistani forces, which are serving under a U.N. mandate, in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry took the initiative at the level of the United Nations in New York, as well as with the Pakistani Embassy in Ankara, to rescue Ambassador Erensoy and the businessman identified as Ali Ates because Turkey does not have a peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast.
“The ambassador was trapped when the clashes escalated,” a well-informed source said. The Turkish request to rescue the stranded Turks was conveyed to the Pakistani forces by the Pakistani Embassy in Ankara.
The rescue coincided with a visit to Turkey by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who arrived in Ankara late Monday and met Wednesday with President Abdullah Gul. The Turkish President thanked his counterpart during the meeting for Pakistan’s quick response to the crisis.
Turkish officials said the Pakistani move was a clear sign of the strong relationship and brotherly solidarity between the two countries. Turkey was one of the first countries to extend help to Pakistan during the catastrophic floods there last summer.
Sources said the ambassador was currently in Abidjan and was secure, adding that the businessman was also secure and was likely receiving treatment.
“The ambassador was trapped when the clashes escalated,” a well-informed source said. The Turkish request to rescue the stranded Turks was conveyed to the Pakistani forces by the Pakistani Embassy in Ankara.
The rescue coincided with a visit to Turkey by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who arrived in Ankara late Monday and met Wednesday with President Abdullah Gul. The Turkish President thanked his counterpart during the meeting for Pakistan’s quick response to the crisis.
Turkish officials said the Pakistani move was a clear sign of the strong relationship and brotherly solidarity between the two countries. Turkey was one of the first countries to extend help to Pakistan during the catastrophic floods there last summer.
Sources said the ambassador was currently in Abidjan and was secure, adding that the businessman was also secure and was likely receiving treatment.
Zardari, Gul vow to work hand in hand to create vibrantly growing economies
President Zardari was assisted in the talks by Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Chairman of Board of Investment Saleem Mandviwala.
The President was on his first bilateral visit to Turkey and his earlier five visits to the country were to attend trilateral summits on Afghanistan and international conferences.
The two leaders said that the talks focused on making operational Islamabad-Istanbul-Tehran freight train. President Gul said that the project would provide a trade route from Islamabad to European countries with goods taking about 11 days to reach Turkish markets.
He said that the railway track already existed but it needed to be upgraded and both the countries agreed to encourage private sectors to generate funds for the project.
The train is an important component of efforts of both the countries to build trade and energy corridors connecting South Asia and Central Asia, he said.
President Zardari said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Turkey, which was the only Islamic country of theNATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) alliance and was also a member of the G-20, the economic grouping of the 20 biggest economies of the world.
During the talks, the two leaders expressed the resolve to raise their unique brotherly ties to pursue common strategic goals for achieving sustainable political and social stability and economic advancement.
They discussed prospects of various projects relating to infrastructure development, banking, investment, energy and trade and talked about ways to increase frequency of cultural and parliamentary exchanges, travel and tourism and people-to-people contacts.
President Zardari apprised President Gul of his government’s efforts to rid Pakistan of the threat of terrorism and address the root causes of poverty and social deprivation, which create conditions for extremism.
President Zardari informed his Turkish counterpart of the policies that make Pakistan an attractive place for investment for the Turkish companies, which are already active in the country on numerous important projects.
Pakistan has a policy of establishing Special Economic Zones where investors will get incentives and it also allows remitting of capital and profits gained by foreign investors to their home countries, he said.
Agreeing that Turkish construction, engineering and energy companies have the financial strength and capacity to undertake mega projects, the leaders resolved that their governments would extend all support to the private sector in these sectors.
The two Presidents expressed confidence that their mutual efforts would help them in meeting the target of raising their bilateral trade volume to two billion dollars by 2012.
The President was on his first bilateral visit to Turkey and his earlier five visits to the country were to attend trilateral summits on Afghanistan and international conferences.
He said that the railway track already existed but it needed to be upgraded and both the countries agreed to encourage private sectors to generate funds for the project.
The train is an important component of efforts of both the countries to build trade and energy corridors connecting South Asia and Central Asia, he said.
President Zardari said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Turkey, which was the only Islamic country of theNATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) alliance and was also a member of the G-20, the economic grouping of the 20 biggest economies of the world.
During the talks, the two leaders expressed the resolve to raise their unique brotherly ties to pursue common strategic goals for achieving sustainable political and social stability and economic advancement.
They discussed prospects of various projects relating to infrastructure development, banking, investment, energy and trade and talked about ways to increase frequency of cultural and parliamentary exchanges, travel and tourism and people-to-people contacts.
President Zardari apprised President Gul of his government’s efforts to rid Pakistan of the threat of terrorism and address the root causes of poverty and social deprivation, which create conditions for extremism.
Pakistan has a policy of establishing Special Economic Zones where investors will get incentives and it also allows remitting of capital and profits gained by foreign investors to their home countries, he said.
Agreeing that Turkish construction, engineering and energy companies have the financial strength and capacity to undertake mega projects, the leaders resolved that their governments would extend all support to the private sector in these sectors.
The two Presidents expressed confidence that their mutual efforts would help them in meeting the target of raising their bilateral trade volume to two billion dollars by 2012.
President Zardari termed the decision by the Supreme Court to accept a reference filed by him to revisit the judicial murder of PPP founder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as “landmark” and reflective of “political and democratic growth.”
The government wanted to rectify a historical fault, he said adding, “We do not want revenge in history ... we just want that ahistorical wrong is corrected. If in future someone commits a similar wrong, then he would know that the history will never forgive him.”
To a question the President said Pakistan’s views on Afghanistan were clear and it believed success of Afghan-led reconciliation process was vital for the regional peace and stability. The government wanted to rectify a historical fault, he said adding, “We do not want revenge in history ... we just want that ahistorical wrong is corrected. If in future someone commits a similar wrong, then he would know that the history will never forgive him.”
He said Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey were coordinating at the political, military and intelligence levels to find a solution that was acceptable to the people of Afghanistan.
“War is defeat of the civilized mindset,” he said, adding that Pakistan would support the Afghan government and people in maintaining peace and stability.
To a question, President Gul said recently the armed forces of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey conducted joint military exercises.Turkey many times had the ISAF command in Afghanistan, it contributed 2000 troops for the country and then made significant contributions in improving health and educational facilities in Afghanistan, he said.
“But military aid is not enough. We have to win hearts in Afghanistan.” he said adding, “2011 is a critical year as foreign forces will be retreating from Afghanistan, whose army and police will take control of security. Our ultimate goal is to ensure peace and security in Afghanistan through our collective efforts.”
To a question about efforts to end energy shortages in Pakistan, President Gul said he himself contacted Turkish energy companies who wer willing to invest in projects for power generation in Pakistan through coal and wind.
Gul said that Turkey has a customs union with Europe and it can be of help
to Pakistan for its exports to European nations. Turkey is a hub for flights to all parts of Europe and being at the crossroads of both Europe and Asia, Turkey will extend benefits to Pakistan in gaining economic mileage, he added.
President Zardari expressed gratitude to the people and the government of Turkey for always standing by Pakistan’s side and recalled the outflowing of help and assistance in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and floods in Pakistan.
He said a visit to Turkey was just like visiting home and the two countries were bound by strong bonds of deep friendship, similarity of views and commonality of interests.
Earlier on his arrival at the Presidential Palace, President Zardari and his delegation were warmly received by President Abdullah Gul.
A smartly turned out contingent of Turkish armed forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary and national anthems of the two countries were played amid boom of a 21-gun salute.
President Zardari inspected the guard of honour and afterwards he was introduced to the members of the Turkish cabinet. APP
“War is defeat of the civilized mindset,” he said, adding that Pakistan would support the Afghan government and people in maintaining peace and stability.
To a question, President Gul said recently the armed forces of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey conducted joint military exercises.Turkey many times had the ISAF command in Afghanistan, it contributed 2000 troops for the country and then made significant contributions in improving health and educational facilities in Afghanistan, he said.
“But military aid is not enough. We have to win hearts in Afghanistan.” he said adding, “2011 is a critical year as foreign forces will be retreating from Afghanistan, whose army and police will take control of security. Our ultimate goal is to ensure peace and security in Afghanistan through our collective efforts.”
To a question about efforts to end energy shortages in Pakistan, President Gul said he himself contacted Turkish energy companies who wer willing to invest in projects for power generation in Pakistan through coal and wind.
Gul said that Turkey has a customs union with Europe and it can be of help
to Pakistan for its exports to European nations. Turkey is a hub for flights to all parts of Europe and being at the crossroads of both Europe and Asia, Turkey will extend benefits to Pakistan in gaining economic mileage, he added.
President Zardari expressed gratitude to the people and the government of Turkey for always standing by Pakistan’s side and recalled the outflowing of help and assistance in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and floods in Pakistan.
He said a visit to Turkey was just like visiting home and the two countries were bound by strong bonds of deep friendship, similarity of views and commonality of interests.
Earlier on his arrival at the Presidential Palace, President Zardari and his delegation were warmly received by President Abdullah Gul.
A smartly turned out contingent of Turkish armed forces presented guard of honour to the visiting dignitary and national anthems of the two countries were played amid boom of a 21-gun salute.
President Zardari inspected the guard of honour and afterwards he was introduced to the members of the Turkish cabinet. APP
President Zardari conferred Turkish award ‘Devlet Nishan’
President Zardari said that the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his meeting with the first Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan had said, “A long history binds the people of Turkey and Pakistan right from the very birth of political consciousness among the Muslims of the sub-continent”.
The President said, “it is therefore no surprise that the first official mission sent abroad by Pakistan was to Turkey in October 1947.”
“Over the years our historical, political and cultural ties have further deepened. The “Devlet Nishan” conferred on me today has placed on my shoulders the responsibility to carry forward our relations to even greater heights.”
The President reiterated his resolve to working closely with Turkish brethren for the progress and development of two peoples. “Long-live Pakistan-Turkey friendship”, he added.
“Over the years our historical, political and cultural ties have further deepened. The “Devlet Nishan” conferred on me today has placed on my shoulders the responsibility to carry forward our relations to even greater heights.”
The President reiterated his resolve to working closely with Turkish brethren for the progress and development of two peoples. “Long-live Pakistan-Turkey friendship”, he added.
Pak-Turkish unique friendship has no parallel: President Zardari
ANKARA, Apr 13 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said Pakistan and Turkey enjoy special relations and a unique friendship, which has no parallel and is unmatched.“Ours is a special bond which has no parallel. It is a unique friendship which is unmatched. Physically we may live thousands of miles apart but our hearts beat together”, President Zardari said while speaking at a banquet hosted in his honour by Turkish President Abdullah Gul here.The President said the colors of Pakistan and Turkish flags may be different, but the symbols of the crescent and the star are one and the same.
“From Ankara to Islamabad, from Konya to Multan and from Kayseri to Larkana, we are connected with a common bond of love and brotherhood. Indeed we are One Nation living in Two States”, he remarked.
The President said the people of Pakistan and Turkey have stood shoulder to shoulder since their birth, adding, “We rejoice on our achievements and we feel the pain when the other suffers.”
“Today, we remain united for a better tomorrow”, he added.
The President termed his detailed discussions with President Gul as “useful” and said “We have agreed to give a strategic direction to our economic relations”.
The President said Turkey has been a cradle of civilization, learning and innovative thinking, adding, throughout history, it has been a seat of great empires. Today, it stands tall in the comity of nations.”
He congratulated President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan for their bold leadership to make Turkey a shining example for others. “We in Pakistan admire you and are proud of your achievements”, he added.
The President referred to and termed the events of the past few weeks in North Africa, Middle East and the Gulf as “a cause of great concern” and said “They call for our close attention.”
“We have come at a crossroads of history. We are witnessing a profound change in the heartland of the Muslim world”, he said and recalled that his wife Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir once said “Countries descend into darkness when pluralism is disrupted, when diversity is suppressed and when one man directs the destiny of millions”.
The President said, “the time has come for reflection and introspection. The well-being of our people should be our foremost priority. The future of our people should be shaped by their will and aspirations.”
He congratulated Turkey for taking a leadership and a principled role in these challenging times.
The President said like Turkey, Pakistan wants stability and peace in the region. “Peace and stability that is based on respect for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of these states.”
He said in Pakistan, the government is mindful of its responsibilities to the people and the nation.
“Today we are confronted with multiple challenges.These are challenges of terrorism, extremism, flood disaster and energy shortages”, the President mentioned, adding, but the democratically elected government is determined to turn these challenges into opportunities.
The President said the government of Pakistan desires peace, stability and prosperity in our region, adding, “We have opened a new chapter of positive engagement with Afghanistan. It is an engagement that is based on mutual trust and confidence.”
“We have also embarked on a purposeful dialogue with India. We want to have a dialogue that is aimed at resolving all our outstanding issues”, he mentioned.
The President also thanked President Gul for honoring him with the prestigious “Devlet Nishan” and said “It is an honor and a symbol of exemplary ties between Pakistan and Turkey.”
“Turkey has a very special place in my heart. I have been coming here for many years now. I have fond memories of my earlier visits”, the President said and especially recalled his visits with his late wife Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
“Each time I come to Turkey, I am reminded of the special nature of our relations”, he added.
The President said the people of Pakistan and Turkey have stood shoulder to shoulder since their birth, adding, “We rejoice on our achievements and we feel the pain when the other suffers.”
“Today, we remain united for a better tomorrow”, he added.
The President termed his detailed discussions with President Gul as “useful” and said “We have agreed to give a strategic direction to our economic relations”.
The President said Turkey has been a cradle of civilization, learning and innovative thinking, adding, throughout history, it has been a seat of great empires. Today, it stands tall in the comity of nations.”
He congratulated President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan for their bold leadership to make Turkey a shining example for others. “We in Pakistan admire you and are proud of your achievements”, he added.
The President referred to and termed the events of the past few weeks in North Africa, Middle East and the Gulf as “a cause of great concern” and said “They call for our close attention.”
“We have come at a crossroads of history. We are witnessing a profound change in the heartland of the Muslim world”, he said and recalled that his wife Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir once said “Countries descend into darkness when pluralism is disrupted, when diversity is suppressed and when one man directs the destiny of millions”.
The President said, “the time has come for reflection and introspection. The well-being of our people should be our foremost priority. The future of our people should be shaped by their will and aspirations.”
He congratulated Turkey for taking a leadership and a principled role in these challenging times.
He said in Pakistan, the government is mindful of its responsibilities to the people and the nation.
“Today we are confronted with multiple challenges.These are challenges of terrorism, extremism, flood disaster and energy shortages”, the President mentioned, adding, but the democratically elected government is determined to turn these challenges into opportunities.
The President said the government of Pakistan desires peace, stability and prosperity in our region, adding, “We have opened a new chapter of positive engagement with Afghanistan. It is an engagement that is based on mutual trust and confidence.”
“We have also embarked on a purposeful dialogue with India. We want to have a dialogue that is aimed at resolving all our outstanding issues”, he mentioned.
The President also thanked President Gul for honoring him with the prestigious “Devlet Nishan” and said “It is an honor and a symbol of exemplary ties between Pakistan and Turkey.”
“Turkey has a very special place in my heart. I have been coming here for many years now. I have fond memories of my earlier visits”, the President said and especially recalled his visits with his late wife Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
“Each time I come to Turkey, I am reminded of the special nature of our relations”, he added.
President Zardari, Speaker Turkish National Assembly to work for democracy
ANKARA April 13: President Asif Ali Zardari and Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly Mehmet Ali Sahin on Wednesday expressed the resolve that Pakistan and Turkey would work jointly to strengthen democracy as it was the best way to build peaceful and stable societies.During their meeting held at the Speaker’s Office in Turkish Grand National Assembly here, the two leaders discussed issues relating to democracy and functioning of the parliament in Turkey and Pakistan.The President told the Speaker about the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan to achieve democracy in difficult circumstances and about the steps taken by his government to protect and promote fundamental rights and freedom of the people.The President called for more exchanges between the parliamentarians of the two countries to promote mutual trust and understanding.The President praised the Turkish leadership for showing commitment to the welfare and progress of the people of Pakistan, especially Turkish contribution in post flood rehabilitation in which Turkey is building schools, hospitals and infrastructure in the affected areas.
He said Pakistan greatly values its relationship with Turkey and would continue to explore opportunities to enhance their political partnership and increase people-to-people contacts.
The President said that the PPP government took steps for women empowerment and made a woman (Dr. Fehmida Mirza) the Speaker of National Assembly and got elected women on general seats, including his two sisters and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar.
The Speaker informed the President about his country’s journey to strengthen democratic institutions and parliamentary traditions.
Mehmet Ali Sahin lauded the Pakistani government and the people for their struggle to keep democracy and constitutional system protected through years of concerted movement.
Turkey would extend all support to Pakistan in its struggle against terrorism, he said adding, it was unfortunate that religious intolerance and extremism was increasing in the world.
Both leaders expressed the desire to further strengthen the Pak-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Forum to let parliamentarians learn from each others’ experiences. APP
He said Pakistan greatly values its relationship with Turkey and would continue to explore opportunities to enhance their political partnership and increase people-to-people contacts.
The President said that the PPP government took steps for women empowerment and made a woman (Dr. Fehmida Mirza) the Speaker of National Assembly and got elected women on general seats, including his two sisters and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar.
Mehmet Ali Sahin lauded the Pakistani government and the people for their struggle to keep democracy and constitutional system protected through years of concerted movement.
Turkey would extend all support to Pakistan in its struggle against terrorism, he said adding, it was unfortunate that religious intolerance and extremism was increasing in the world.
Both leaders expressed the desire to further strengthen the Pak-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Forum to let parliamentarians learn from each others’ experiences. APP
Pakistan, Turkey agree to upgrade Islamabad-Istanbul railway line
ANKARA, April 13 (APP): Pakistan and Turkey on Wednesday took a joint leap forward in economic collaboration, when the Presidents of the two countries formally agreed to upgrade the existing Islamabad-Istanbul Railway Line, open up five Turkish bank branches in Pakistan and a currency swap arrangement to bolster trade and commerce.The two leaders took the decisions during two separate meetings - one tete-a-tete and the other at the delegation level talks.Briefing journalists about the meetings, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the meetings started soon after President Asif Ali Zardari arrived at the President Gul’s House to a 21-guns boom and a guard of honour.At the delegation level meeting, the pre-feasibility report of the proposed ‘Gul’ train between Pakistan and Turkey was also unveiled, he said.
According to the pre-feasibility, a weekly fast goods train would ferry merchandise from Lahore to Istanbul in nine days as compared to 18 days at present and further into the European markets thereby opening and connecting hitherto unconnected and unexplored markets. The train can be connected to other countries in the region and Central Asia region in the next phase.
Farhatullah Babar said that it was also agreed in the two Summit level meetings to double the bilateral trade from present $ 1 billionannually to $ 2 billion and to address issues related to free trade agreement (FTA), joint financial instruments and preferential treatment through special mechanisms and stepped up contacts between the relevant ministries of the two sides.
‘Our economic relations are based on the premise that Pakistan occupies a special and unique place in our scheme of things,’ the Turkish President said during the meeting.
President Zardari also invited Turkish companies to invest in the proposed project of building a new city ‘Zulfiqarabad’ in Sindh to ease pressure on the province’s mega cities.
Zardari offered Turkish companies’ participation in reclamation of 2.5 million acres of land now under sea on the basis of public-private partnership in which the Turkish companies would be allowed to set up economic ventures of their own on part of the reclaimed land.
Accepting the offer, President Abdullah Gul said that he would send a team of private entrepreneurs to Pakistan to examine the proposal.
The Spokesperson said that the cooperation between Civil Aviation Authorities of the two countries also figured in the talks with President Gul declaring that Turkey will never seek an arrangement that would put Pakistan to any disadvantage.
Regional situation, developments in the Middle East and issues relating to the trilateral Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey meetings also came under discussion.
A short documentary on the recently concluded joint military exercises of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey, the first of its kind, was also screened on the occasion to highlight the growing trilateral cooperation.
About the current situation in North Africa and Middle East, President Zardari said that as pillars of stability in the broader region, Pakistan and Turkey were well-placed to play a positive role in dealing with the prevailing situation in the Middle East.
President Zardari also thanked the Turkish President for assistance in the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Libya.
Welcoming the successful outcome of the inaugural session of the High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) in December last, the President called for setting up a joint investment company to undertake infrastructural projects and for institutionalizing financial cooperation.
Farhatullah Babar said that the President also called for enhanced security and defence cooperation through increased military-to-military interaction, joint exercises and collaboration in defence production, saying that the mid-life upgradation of Pakistan’s F-16 in Turkey was a demonstration of close defence cooperation.
Farhatullah Babar said that it was also agreed in the two Summit level meetings to double the bilateral trade from present $ 1 billionannually to $ 2 billion and to address issues related to free trade agreement (FTA), joint financial instruments and preferential treatment through special mechanisms and stepped up contacts between the relevant ministries of the two sides.
‘Our economic relations are based on the premise that Pakistan occupies a special and unique place in our scheme of things,’ the Turkish President said during the meeting.
Zardari offered Turkish companies’ participation in reclamation of 2.5 million acres of land now under sea on the basis of public-private partnership in which the Turkish companies would be allowed to set up economic ventures of their own on part of the reclaimed land.
Accepting the offer, President Abdullah Gul said that he would send a team of private entrepreneurs to Pakistan to examine the proposal.
The Spokesperson said that the cooperation between Civil Aviation Authorities of the two countries also figured in the talks with President Gul declaring that Turkey will never seek an arrangement that would put Pakistan to any disadvantage.
Regional situation, developments in the Middle East and issues relating to the trilateral Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey meetings also came under discussion.
A short documentary on the recently concluded joint military exercises of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey, the first of its kind, was also screened on the occasion to highlight the growing trilateral cooperation.
About the current situation in North Africa and Middle East, President Zardari said that as pillars of stability in the broader region, Pakistan and Turkey were well-placed to play a positive role in dealing with the prevailing situation in the Middle East.
President Zardari also thanked the Turkish President for assistance in the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Libya.
Welcoming the successful outcome of the inaugural session of the High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) in December last, the President called for setting up a joint investment company to undertake infrastructural projects and for institutionalizing financial cooperation.
Farhatullah Babar said that the President also called for enhanced security and defence cooperation through increased military-to-military interaction, joint exercises and collaboration in defence production, saying that the mid-life upgradation of Pakistan’s F-16 in Turkey was a demonstration of close defence cooperation.
President visits mausoleum of Ataturk, pays homage to Turkish leader
“Modern Turkey is the living testimony of the glory of Ataturk’s great accomplishments. It is a mark of Ataturk’s greatness that his rejection of imperialism and espousal of the principles of sovereignty and non-interference are now accepted as pillars of a peaceful world order. Indeed he has left deep imprints on the sands of history,” he observed.
“Turkey and Pakistan share the same ideals and strive for common goals,” he remarked adding, “I have no doubt that together we will march along the road to greater progress and prosperity and fulfil our common destinies.”
The President was accompanied by Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and other members of his entourage.
The President was told by his Turkish hosts about the history and architectural features of the mausoleum, whose construction was completed by 1953.
The memorial tomb is also the final resting place of Ismet Inonu, the second President of Turkey, who was buried here after he died in 1973. His tomb faces the Ataturk Mausoleum, on the opposite side of the ceremonial ground.
President Zardari is on a four-day official visit to Turkey to bolster economic and trade ties and further build on the already strong fraternal relations rooted in common history, culture and religion of the two countries.
“Turkey and Pakistan share the same ideals and strive for common goals,” he remarked adding, “I have no doubt that together we will march along the road to greater progress and prosperity and fulfil our common destinies.”
The President was accompanied by Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and other members of his entourage.
The President was told by his Turkish hosts about the history and architectural features of the mausoleum, whose construction was completed by 1953.
The memorial tomb is also the final resting place of Ismet Inonu, the second President of Turkey, who was buried here after he died in 1973. His tomb faces the Ataturk Mausoleum, on the opposite side of the ceremonial ground.
President Zardari is on a four-day official visit to Turkey to bolster economic and trade ties and further build on the already strong fraternal relations rooted in common history, culture and religion of the two countries.
Pakistan admires Turkey’s democratic consolidation, economic achievements: Zardari
ANKARA, April 12 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari said on Tuesday Pakistan admired Turkey’s progress in democratic consolidation and economic achievements and its positive role in resolving regional issues. “The maturity of Turkish democracy and its economic achievements are greatly admired in Pakistan,” said President Zardari in an exclusive interview with Today’s Zaman.
“Turkey has emerged as a major power in the region. Being part of Asia and Europe, it serves as a bridge between East and West,” he added.
Zardari also praised Turkey’s initiative in recent years and acknowledged the role Turkey played in international and regional forums.
“We appreciate Turkey’s positive role and initiatives for resolving regional issues. Turkey’s stance in forums like the United Nations, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), G-20, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is indeed worth appreciation,” he stated.
Stressing that his country was left to deal with problems emanating from the Cold War era, the President said they have paid a hefty price in the form of drug trafficking and weapons culture.
He made it clear during the interview that Pakistan’s cooperation and gathering of intelligence foiled several global terrorism plots. “The forces of extremism and terrorism pose a threat to our own security. We remain determined and resolute to defeat them,” he emphasized.
Calling terrorism “a curse” with “no faith or creed,” Zardari underscored that terrorism was a global problem and, as such, it required a global response. “It is a toxic brew that thrives on a perceived sense of injustice, economic deprivation and marginalization. Today,many countries around the world are facing this menace,” he explained.
The President dismissed claims that his country had no clear strategy to deal with terrorism. Noting that there was a national consensus on how to counter terrorism and extremism in Pakistan, Zardari explained what he called the “3 Ds” strategy—Dialogue, Development, and Deterrence—to fight terrorism.
“We have offered dialogue and amnesty to all those who renounce violence. We have undertaken development projects and are building more schools, hospitals and roads in the relatively underdeveloped and affected areas. At the same time, our armed forces and law enforcement agencies, backed by popular support and democratic legitimacy, are fighting hardcore terrorists and extremists,” he said.
As for relations with India, Zardari said he believed dialogue was the only way to normalize ties with the neighbouring country, stressing that Pakistan was committed to a “serious, sustained and constructive engagement with India.”
“The two countries have decided to resume dialogue on all outstanding issues,” he said, adding: “It is important for the two sides to build an atmosphere of mutual trust to resolve all our disputes, including the core Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir. This would usher in a new era for the people of South Asia and bring much needed peace and stability to our region.”
President Zardari said Turkey has emerged as a major power in the region. Being part of Asia and Europe, it serves as a bridge between East and West. Ataturk’s vision of “Peace at home, peace in the world” and the present government’s “zero problems with neighbours” policy has turned foes into friends, he added.
He said one has to understand the regional and international dynamics of the Cold War which led to the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan and the resultant birth of Afghan Jihad.
“During this period Pakistan as a front-line state paid a heavy price in the shaping of a drug and weapons culture. We were also host to over 4 million Afghan refugees. After the success in this campaign the West left Afghanistan, abandoning it completely to its fate.”
He said this situation created a vacuum which prompted Al-Qaeda and its sympathizers to redirect the Jihadi groups against the West, and 9/11 was the product of that phase. The post-9/11 situation in Afghanistan made Pakistan once again a front-line state against terrorism.
The challenges confronted by Pakistan arising out of the historical evolution of Afghanistan crises need to be understood and appreciated by the international community, the President said and added, Today, Pakistan’s security forces have suffered more casualties than the NATO forces combined in Afghanistan.
Zardari also praised Turkey’s initiative in recent years and acknowledged the role Turkey played in international and regional forums.
“We appreciate Turkey’s positive role and initiatives for resolving regional issues. Turkey’s stance in forums like the United Nations, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), G-20, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is indeed worth appreciation,” he stated.
Stressing that his country was left to deal with problems emanating from the Cold War era, the President said they have paid a hefty price in the form of drug trafficking and weapons culture.
He made it clear during the interview that Pakistan’s cooperation and gathering of intelligence foiled several global terrorism plots. “The forces of extremism and terrorism pose a threat to our own security. We remain determined and resolute to defeat them,” he emphasized.
Calling terrorism “a curse” with “no faith or creed,” Zardari underscored that terrorism was a global problem and, as such, it required a global response. “It is a toxic brew that thrives on a perceived sense of injustice, economic deprivation and marginalization. Today,many countries around the world are facing this menace,” he explained.
The President dismissed claims that his country had no clear strategy to deal with terrorism. Noting that there was a national consensus on how to counter terrorism and extremism in Pakistan, Zardari explained what he called the “3 Ds” strategy—Dialogue, Development, and Deterrence—to fight terrorism.
“We have offered dialogue and amnesty to all those who renounce violence. We have undertaken development projects and are building more schools, hospitals and roads in the relatively underdeveloped and affected areas. At the same time, our armed forces and law enforcement agencies, backed by popular support and democratic legitimacy, are fighting hardcore terrorists and extremists,” he said.
As for relations with India, Zardari said he believed dialogue was the only way to normalize ties with the neighbouring country, stressing that Pakistan was committed to a “serious, sustained and constructive engagement with India.”
“The two countries have decided to resume dialogue on all outstanding issues,” he said, adding: “It is important for the two sides to build an atmosphere of mutual trust to resolve all our disputes, including the core Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir. This would usher in a new era for the people of South Asia and bring much needed peace and stability to our region.”
President Zardari said Turkey has emerged as a major power in the region. Being part of Asia and Europe, it serves as a bridge between East and West. Ataturk’s vision of “Peace at home, peace in the world” and the present government’s “zero problems with neighbours” policy has turned foes into friends, he added.
He said one has to understand the regional and international dynamics of the Cold War which led to the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan and the resultant birth of Afghan Jihad.
“During this period Pakistan as a front-line state paid a heavy price in the shaping of a drug and weapons culture. We were also host to over 4 million Afghan refugees. After the success in this campaign the West left Afghanistan, abandoning it completely to its fate.”
He said this situation created a vacuum which prompted Al-Qaeda and its sympathizers to redirect the Jihadi groups against the West, and 9/11 was the product of that phase. The post-9/11 situation in Afghanistan made Pakistan once again a front-line state against terrorism.
The challenges confronted by Pakistan arising out of the historical evolution of Afghanistan crises need to be understood and appreciated by the international community, the President said and added, Today, Pakistan’s security forces have suffered more casualties than the NATO forces combined in Afghanistan.
Turkey, Pakistan should achieve shared prosperity by pooling resources: Zardari
He said Pakistan and Turkey have initial ingredients in a relation like similarities of religion and culture.
He said Pakistan has fertile lands and natural resources like coal and Turkey as a developed economy, democracy and nation at the doors of Europe has the capacity to make high end products. So these advantages can be converged for the mutual benefit of the two countries, he added.
He said people of country have money but they are not in the habit of raising capital from the stock exchanges to fund projects.
President Zardari invited Turkish businessmen to invest in Pakistan and the government will facilitate them with infrastructure and they can take back their capital and profits to make more money in new projects. “The world has money and it is looking for tangibles,” he noted.
He said issues facing the international community should be decided with collective wisdom by following the path of reconciliation, dialogue and patience.
He said other countries have to follow the example of China which is thinking far ahead in future.
Referring to the situation in Egypt, Syria and countries in the Middle East, he said the need is to stop the decline in civilizations.
“Further aggression will hamper the path to progress,” he said adding, stability in the region should not be disturbed but the process of dialogue should be given ownership while accepting that every country has peculiar circumstances.
He stressed the need for innovation in economic field and raise per capita income of the commonman.
The President talked about the natural resources that exist in the mountains and plains of Pakistan and in Central Asia which can help create a century led by Asia.
He said environmental degradation and food security is a serious concern in the face of rising populations. “We should not poison our future.”
President Zardari said after taking responsibility as President he has been following in the footsteps of the founder of PPP Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Referring to the book of Benazir Bhutto on reconciliation, he said show of force is not the exact depiction of the modern and civilized mindset.
He said he refused to follow the path of civil war and chose the noble art of politics and dialogue and everybody needs to look into himself and live and let live.
“I walked the path of dialogue, patience and resilience after the martyrdom of my wife,” he said.
Referring to the Musharraf era, he said when there was dictator in power, his party chose the path of dialogue, accepted to take part in election under a dictatorial dispensation and continued negotiations leading to the departure of Pervez Musharraf.
To a question, he said he opened dialogue with America and asked for $100 billion for the loss to his country’s economy as Pakistan was a frontline state in the war against terrorism.
“The major impetus to the war in Afghanistan is the production of heroin. And if the situation remained the same, things will not change even in the next 12 year,” he said while talking about the factors of instability in Afghanistan.
President Zardari reminded that youth of Pakistan have taken a strong position in reaction to the assassination of Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, adding “non state actors” even forced the United States to come for war.
To a question on relations between India and Pakistan, he said two great nations cannot be kept hostage to groups and non-state actors.
About US role in the South Asian region, Zardari said United States has accepted the situation that war is not the only option and now even it is talking to Taliban.
“It is a misperception that Pakistan looks at Afghanistan as a country which provides it strategic depth,” he said, adding any dialogue process for reconciliation in Afghanistan should be home-driven.
He said when he became President all the powers were vested in his office by the former dictator and he was advised not to give up powers but he gave rights to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose political leaders in the past were even called traitors.
The President said he has asked the courts to revisit the judicial murder of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to rectify a historical mistake but it is not for the sake of revenge. APP
He said Pakistan has fertile lands and natural resources like coal and Turkey as a developed economy, democracy and nation at the doors of Europe has the capacity to make high end products. So these advantages can be converged for the mutual benefit of the two countries, he added.
He said people of country have money but they are not in the habit of raising capital from the stock exchanges to fund projects.
President Zardari invited Turkish businessmen to invest in Pakistan and the government will facilitate them with infrastructure and they can take back their capital and profits to make more money in new projects. “The world has money and it is looking for tangibles,” he noted.
He said issues facing the international community should be decided with collective wisdom by following the path of reconciliation, dialogue and patience.
He said other countries have to follow the example of China which is thinking far ahead in future.
Referring to the situation in Egypt, Syria and countries in the Middle East, he said the need is to stop the decline in civilizations.
“Further aggression will hamper the path to progress,” he said adding, stability in the region should not be disturbed but the process of dialogue should be given ownership while accepting that every country has peculiar circumstances.
He stressed the need for innovation in economic field and raise per capita income of the commonman.
The President talked about the natural resources that exist in the mountains and plains of Pakistan and in Central Asia which can help create a century led by Asia.
He said environmental degradation and food security is a serious concern in the face of rising populations. “We should not poison our future.”
President Zardari said after taking responsibility as President he has been following in the footsteps of the founder of PPP Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Referring to the book of Benazir Bhutto on reconciliation, he said show of force is not the exact depiction of the modern and civilized mindset.
He said he refused to follow the path of civil war and chose the noble art of politics and dialogue and everybody needs to look into himself and live and let live.
“I walked the path of dialogue, patience and resilience after the martyrdom of my wife,” he said.
Referring to the Musharraf era, he said when there was dictator in power, his party chose the path of dialogue, accepted to take part in election under a dictatorial dispensation and continued negotiations leading to the departure of Pervez Musharraf.
To a question, he said he opened dialogue with America and asked for $100 billion for the loss to his country’s economy as Pakistan was a frontline state in the war against terrorism.
“The major impetus to the war in Afghanistan is the production of heroin. And if the situation remained the same, things will not change even in the next 12 year,” he said while talking about the factors of instability in Afghanistan.
President Zardari reminded that youth of Pakistan have taken a strong position in reaction to the assassination of Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, adding “non state actors” even forced the United States to come for war.
To a question on relations between India and Pakistan, he said two great nations cannot be kept hostage to groups and non-state actors.
About US role in the South Asian region, Zardari said United States has accepted the situation that war is not the only option and now even it is talking to Taliban.
“It is a misperception that Pakistan looks at Afghanistan as a country which provides it strategic depth,” he said, adding any dialogue process for reconciliation in Afghanistan should be home-driven.
He said when he became President all the powers were vested in his office by the former dictator and he was advised not to give up powers but he gave rights to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose political leaders in the past were even called traitors.
The President said he has asked the courts to revisit the judicial murder of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to rectify a historical mistake but it is not for the sake of revenge. APP
Zardari, Erdogan pledge to focus on building strategic partnership
 Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar were present on the occasion. The meeting was held in a great spirit of camaraderie, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues and expressed the determination to steer their countries on high trajectory development path by turning challenges into opportunities. President Zardari referred to his country’s special relationship with Turkey, saying the ties are rooted in unbreakable centuries old links of history, culture and religion. Discussing the work done by the High Level Cooperation Council set up by the two countries, President Zardari expressed the desire to bolster the institutional arrangements which help in efficient execution of projects planned by the two brotherly nations. Keeping in view the vast potential the two countries have in terms of vast human capital, abundant natural resources and growing markets with middle class consumers, the two leaders agreed that more opportunities can be availed by businessmen of both countries for investment. They underlined the need to further encourage their private sectors to create joint ventures in areas of textiles, telecommunications, mining and technology. President Zardari praised the dynamic leadership of Turkey for ensuring political stability and economic growth in their country. The President said the vision and contribution of Turkish leaders have advanced regional peace and stability within the Islamic world and Turkey as a democratic and economically strong country is a source of inspiration for others. APP |
Presidentof Pakistan’s visit to Mausoleum of Ataturk and remarks, 12th April 2011
Modern Turkey is the living testimony of the glory of Ataturk’s great accomplishments. It is a mark of Ataturk’s greatness that his rejection of imperialism and espousal of the principles of sovereignty and non-interference are now accepted as pillars of a peaceful world order. Indeed he has left deep imprints on the sands of history.
Turkey and Pakistan share the same ideals and strive for common goals. I have no doubt that together we will march along the road to greater progress and prosperity and fulfill our common destinies.
ENDS
Pakistan President Zardari arrives in Turkey on official visit
ANKARA, April 11: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived here Monday evening on a four day official visit to hold talks with Turkish leadership to further cooperation and strengthening existing bilateral ties.President Zardari was warmly received by Turkish State Minister Mehmet Aydin, Governor Ankara Alaattin Yuksel and Pakistan’s ambassador to Turkey Tariq Azizuddin at Esenboga International Airport.He will hold meetings with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Speaker Turkish Grand National Assembly Mehmet Ali Sahin.The President’s entourage includes Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar,Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Chairman Board of Investment M. Saleem Mandviwala.
They will assist him in formal delegation level talks with the Turkish leadership.During his stay, President Zardari will visit the mausoleum of founder of modern state of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to pay his respects. President Abdullah Gul will confer the Turkish state order medal Devlet Nishan on President Zardari in a special investiture ceremony for his contribution to promote bilateral ties between the two countries.
The President will also meet Turkish businessmen and members of think tanks, academia and media.
A delegation of leading businessmen from Pakistan will be in Ankara who will interact with Turkish businessmen and discuss prospects for joint ventures in various areas of the economy.
Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey Tariq Azizuddin told APP that the visit will focus on enhancing bilateral trade with an effort to bring it at par with the Pak-Turkish political partnership. The leadership of the two countries has been holding consultations to increase bilateral trade which two years back was $752 million, he added.
Owing to concerted efforts of both the governments, the bilateral trade rose to one billion dollars by 2010, the Ambassador stated adding now the two countries want to take the trade volume to two billion dollars by the end of 2012.
President Zardari also visited Turkey December last to take part in a trilateral summit of Presidents of Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan to seek ways to promote regional peace and stability. APP
The President will also meet Turkish businessmen and members of think tanks, academia and media.
A delegation of leading businessmen from Pakistan will be in Ankara who will interact with Turkish businessmen and discuss prospects for joint ventures in various areas of the economy.
Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey Tariq Azizuddin told APP that the visit will focus on enhancing bilateral trade with an effort to bring it at par with the Pak-Turkish political partnership. The leadership of the two countries has been holding consultations to increase bilateral trade which two years back was $752 million, he added.
Owing to concerted efforts of both the governments, the bilateral trade rose to one billion dollars by 2010, the Ambassador stated adding now the two countries want to take the trade volume to two billion dollars by the end of 2012.
President Zardari also visited Turkey December last to take part in a trilateral summit of Presidents of Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan to seek ways to promote regional peace and stability. APP
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